Population genomic history of the capital Chang'an in the past 2000 years

AI interpretationAI-generated

Ancient DNA from 52 Chang'an individuals reveals 2000 years of genetic history.

Researchers sequenced 52 ancient genomes from Xi'an, the capital Chang'an, spanning the Warring States to Ming-Qing periods. This first population genomic time series from the Silk Road's eastern start shows how dynastic changes and East-West exchanges shaped the local gene pool. The samples include 24 from Ming-Qing, 12 from Tang, and smaller numbers from earlier periods, providing a diachronic view of one of China's most historically important cities.

• 52 ancient genomes from 8 archaeological sites in Xi'an cover the Warring States to Ming-Qing, offering a 2000-year genetic timeline.
• Y-chromosome analysis resolved 27 samples, with haplogroup O-F8 being the most common (3 individuals), while mitochondrial DNA shows diverse lineages like D4 and F1a.
• The sample set is dominated by Ming-Qing (24) and Tang (12) periods, with only 1-3 individuals from earlier dynasties, limiting statistical power for older eras.

Sample interpretation

The dataset includes 52 individuals: 24 from Ming-Qing, 12 from Tang, 3 from Western Han, 3 from Jin, 2 from Northern Wei, 2 from Sui, 2 from Tang (o), and 1 each from Warring States, Xinmang, Sui (o), and Qin. Y-chromosome haplogroups were resolved for 27 males, with O-F8 (3) most frequent, followed by several singletons. Mitochondrial DNA shows D4 (4) as the most common, plus F1a1c, F1a1, F1b (2 each), and M8a3a, D4q (1 each).

For genealogy enthusiasts

For ancestry enthusiasts, this study provides a rare diachronic genetic window into Chang'an, showing how one of China's most cosmopolitan cities changed over 2000 years. It highlights the importance of ancient DNA in tracing urban population history and the impact of historical events on genetic diversity.