Recent DNA technology has unveiled significant findings at a newly discovered cemetery in Beijing, revealing the intricate relationships between two extended families who lived nearly 3,000 years ago.
The cemetery, located at the Liulihe Site in the Fangshan district, is part of a large tomb area believed to belong to the Yan state during the Western Zhou Dynasty (circa 11th century-771 BC). This state was one of the seven dominant powers during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) and was ultimately conquered by Ying Zheng in 222 BC, who later founded the Qin Dynasty.
Archaeological investigations at the Liulihe Site have previously uncovered remnants of palaces and artisan workshops, along with valuable bronze artifacts from surrounding tombs. Since 2022, ongoing surveys have focused on identifying relics indicative of the city's subsistence, such as agricultural sites and residential areas.
Excavations have revealed 39 tombs over an area of 800 square meters north of the walled city, with 33 tombs excavated belonging to two families. Ancient DNA studies have provided insights into the familial relationships of those interred.
The earliest tomb dates back to the early Western Zhou Dynasty, with most others from the middle stage of the dynasty. Archaeologists postulate that a ditch associated with the site was abandoned by the mid-Western Zhou Dynasty, offering clues about the site's eventual desertion.
Most tombs are modest in size, lacking elaborate funerary objects typical of aristocratic burials. Nearly half of the tombs contain canine remains, a practice associated with the Shang Dynasty (circa 16th century-11th century BC) but less common among the Zhou.
Researchers suggest that the individuals buried at the site were descendants of the Shang people, despite residing in the Yan state. The study indicates that some Shang descendants continued to inhabit the region during the Western Zhou period.
DNA analysis conducted by Peking University has illuminated the relationships among those buried, revealing that the families, designated as A and B, were connected by marriage and spanned at least four generations. Notably, three male tombs from Family A are identified as siblings, with one sibling's daughter interred alongside him.
Findings suggest that during the Western Zhou Dynasty, common individuals were buried in familial clusters, as evidenced by the arrangement of the tombs. This research exemplifies a significant application of DNA technology in the archaeological study of ancient China, marking an important advancement in understanding familial structures of the time.