Ancient genomes illuminate the demographic history of Shandong over the past two millennia

AI interpretationAI-generated

Ancient DNA from Shandong reveals a population turnover after the Neolithic and long-term genetic stability of Han Chinese.

This study analyzed 21 ancient genomes from Shandong, dating from the Warring States to the Northern Dynasties. Unlike earlier Neolithic Shandong samples, these historical individuals are genetically closest to post-Late Neolithic populations from the Middle Yellow River Basin. This indicates a major population shift in Shandong between the Neolithic and historical periods. Moreover, the historical Shandong people show strong genetic continuity with present-day Han Chinese, suggesting that Han Chinese genetic structure has been stable since at least the Warring States period.

• Population turnover in Shandong from Neolithic to historical era, with historical samples related to Middle Yellow River Basin populations.
• Close genetic affinity between historical Shandong samples and present-day Han Chinese.
• Long-term genetic stability of Han Chinese since at least the Warring States period.

Sample interpretation

The site includes 33 samples, with 18 having resolved Y-chromosome haplogroups. The most common Y haplogroup is O-BZ3097 (2 samples), followed by several others each with 1 sample, such as O-F3323, N-F963, and O-F46. Mitochondrial DNA is diverse, with top lineages including B5b, B4a1c5, A5b1b, A-a1a, F1d, and D4a, each represented by 1 sample. These genetic markers reflect a mix of paternal and maternal lineages typical of historical northern Chinese populations.

For genealogy enthusiasts

For ancestry enthusiasts, this study confirms that Shandong's genetic landscape was reshaped after the Neolithic, and that modern Han Chinese in the region largely descend from historical populations. It highlights the value of ancient DNA in tracing regional population history and continuity.