Genomic profiling of a large patrilineal family tomb of Ming-Qing Dynasty in China

AI interpretationAI-generated

A Ming-Qing tomb reveals six generations of one strict paternal family.

Researchers sampled every individual buried at the Qianweigou site in Beijing, dating to the Ming and Qing dynasties. From 34 whole genomes, they found that almost everyone buried there belonged to one paternal line, spanning at least six generations. The family tree they rebuilt matches how the graves were arranged in space, showing the cemetery was carefully planned rather than random. This is a rare look at how an ordinary family, not royalty, organized its burials.

• 34 ancient genomes from one Ming-Qing cemetery in Beijing were analyzed.
• Genetic data confirm a strict paternal lineage lasting at least six generations.
• The reconstructed family tree matches the spatial layout of the graves, suggesting deliberate planning.

Sample interpretation

All 34 individuals were sampled for whole genomes. Y-chromosome data resolved 14 samples to a single paternal haplogroup, D-Y14813, supporting one male line. Mitochondrial DNA is more diverse: D4 (4), Z3 (3), G2a5 (3), C4a2c (2), D5b (2), and A-a1a (2). This pattern fits a patrilocal family where wives came from different maternal backgrounds. No archaeological culture label was assigned in the data.

For genealogy enthusiasts

For ancestry fans, this shows how ancient DNA can reveal family structure even without written records. It also highlights that a single Y-haplogroup like D-Y14813 can define a large, multi-generation burial group. If you carry D-Y14813, this study adds a concrete historical context from Ming-Qing Beijing.