Ancient DNA reveals the population interactions and a Neolithic patrilineal community in Northern Yangtze Region

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58 ancient genomes from Baligang reveal 4,200-year-old admixture and a 5,000-year-old patrilineal community.

This study sequenced 58 ancient genomes from Baligang, a settlement on the northern edge of the Middle Yangtze River. The samples span from the Middle Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age, covering cultures like Yangshao, Qujialing, Shijiahe, Longshan, and Zhou. The DNA shows that the population experienced multiple waves of admixture, with a major genetic influx from southern East Asians around 4,200 years ago. The authors also reconstructed family relationships from multi-generational burials and found evidence of a patrilineal community dating back 5,000 years.

• A major genetic turnover occurred around 4,200 BP, marked by a large influx of southern East Asian ancestry into the Baligang population.
• Detailed kinship analysis of multi-generational secondary burials revealed complex family structures.
• A patrilineal community existed at Baligang as early as 5,000 years ago, providing rare evidence of prehistoric social organization.

Sample interpretation

Of the 58 genomes, 36 had resolvable Y-chromosome lineages. The most common paternal haplogroup was O-TY528043 (14 individuals), followed by O-MF374 and O-TY528046 (3 each). Maternal lineages were diverse, with D4b2b (6), B4a4 (3), and A6b (3) being the most frequent. The samples come from six cultural phases: Late Neolithic Yangshao (32), Middle Neolithic Yangshao (9), Longshan (6), Zhou (5), Shijiahe (4), and Qujialing (2). This temporal spread allows tracking genetic changes over time.

For genealogy enthusiasts

For ancestry enthusiasts, this study shows that the Baligang region was a genetic crossroads, with southern ancestry arriving by 4,200 BP. The dominance of O-TY528043 suggests a long-lasting paternal line. If you have East Asian ancestry, especially from the Yangtze region, these ancient genomes can help trace deep roots and population movements.