Unraveling the Origins of the Sogdians: Evidence of Genetic Admixture between Ancient Central and East Asians

AI interpretationAI-generated

First ancient genomes of Sogdians reveal a couple with mixed local and BMAC ancestry.

This study sequenced two Tang dynasty individuals from a joint burial in Guyuan, China—the first ancient genomes from Sogdians. The female had only local ancestry, while the male carried both local and BMAC-related Central Asian ancestry, introduced about 18 generations earlier. Historical, archaeological, and genetic evidence suggests they were a couple. The findings show Sogdians came to China for trade, settled, and intermarried with locals, acting as middlemen on the Silk Road.

• First ancient genome data from Sogdians, from a Tang dynasty joint burial in Guyuan.
• Female had local ancestry; male had local plus BMAC-related Central Asian ancestry.
• The male's Central Asian ancestry was introduced about 18 generations before his time.

Sample interpretation

Two individuals from one site (Guyuan, M1401). Only one Y-chromosome lineage was resolved: C-FGC34400. Both mitochondrial lineages belong to C7: one C7a2 and one C7. The female likely had local ancestry, while the male carried both local and BMAC-related ancestry.

For genealogy enthusiasts

For ancestry enthusiasts, this shows early Sogdians were not a single homogeneous group but formed through admixture with local populations. It highlights the Silk Road as a route of both trade and genetic exchange, and provides a rare direct genetic glimpse into Sogdian origins.