Photo: Beijing Archaeological Research Institute

Recent excavations at the Liulihe relic site in Beijing have uncovered significant discoveries, including the precise reconstruction of a four-generation family lineage and insights into the diets of ancient inhabitants from 2,700 years ago. Through ancient DNA analysis and isotope research, these findings shed new light on life during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771BC), according to the Beijing Archaeological Research Institute.

The Liulihe relic site in Beijing is believed to be the early capital of the ancient Yan state, which was one of the major states in northern China from the Western Zhou Dynasty to the Warring States period (475-221BC), and its culture is believed to have significantly influenced the current Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. 

One of the most important findings is the genetic reconstruction of a family lineage spanning four generations. Scientists conducted high-resolution genome sequencing on 36 human remains from the northern cemetery of the site, successfully mapping out an extensive kinship network.  

Within this group, 18 individuals were found to belong to a complete extended family. Among them, 12 were male, and genetic analysis showed that nine shared the same Y-chromosome haplotype, indicating descent from a common paternal ancestor. Mitochondrial DNA analysis identified nine different haplotypes, suggesting that women in this lineage came from diverse maternal backgrounds. These findings suggest a family structure in the cemetery where male lineage played a central role.  

Further analysis reconstructed the relationships among three brothers and their respective wives and children. Additionally, researchers identified a married couple with a third-degree kinship connection, indicating the occurrence of consanguineous marriage within the community.  

The Liulihe archaeological team reported that plant remains recovered through flotation analysis suggest that crops such as millet and broomcorn were the primary agricultural staples, supplemented by soybeans and adzuki beans. Wheat remains were rarely found, indicating that the agricultural structure at the site during the period remained a typical northern dryland farming system. 

Animal remains further illustrate the diet of these early people. Meat consumption primarily included domesticated mammals such as pigs, cattle, and sheep, while fish and mollusks were also part of the diet. Ritual sacrifices appeared to favor cattle, followed by sheep, pigs, and dogs, with occasional evidence of horse offerings.

Stable isotope analysis revealed notable dietary differences between the aristocracy and commoners. The site also contained individuals who had migrated from other regions, while the dietary habits of the same individuals remained relatively stable throughout different life stages.

According to Liu Zheng, a member of the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics, zooarchaeology is a branch of archaeology, alongside other emerging fields such as archaeobotany. The development of these new branches plays a crucial role in uncovering human origins and Chinese civilization.

"Among the recent discoveries at the Liulihe relic site, the study of plant and animal remains has been essential in revealing the dietary habits and lives of early inhabitants thousands of years ago," Liu  told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Alongside the excavation, researchers conducted comprehensive inorganic and organic material analysis. Notably, the study of bronze artifacts confirmed that the metallurgical traditions at Liulihe closely mirrored those found in Chengzhou, the capital of the Zhou Dynasty (1046BC-256BC). A wooden coffin in the Tomb M1902 was crafted from a single tree trunk, and analysis identified the material as pine.

By analyzing different types of bone and tooth samples from Tomb M1902's occupant and remains of different animals and plants from the tomb, archaeologists established a highly accurate estimated burial date between 1045 and 1010 BC. 

Liu noted that given that a Liulihe national archaeological park is being constructed, ongoing excavations, which continue to uncover valuable historical artifacts and information, will play a significant role in the development of Beijing as a historical and cultural city.