Based on DNA analysis, the researchers discovered many social features of the Xiongnu empire, which repeatedly invaded ancient China’s territory.
The archaeological team unearthed the tomb of a noble woman at the cemetery in Takhiltyn Khotgor. (Photo: J. Bayarsaikhan).
A nomadic empire dominated the steppes of Asia for three centuries from 200 BC, trading goods on the Silk Road, building magnificent tombs, and conquering faraway lands on horseback. Named the Xiongnu, the conflict between this empire and China led to the creation of the Great Wall that still exists today. Using ancient DNA evidence combined with excavations, researchers uncover the secret of one of the most powerful forces of the time. They published their findings April 14 in the journal Science Advances .
An international team of scientists completed genetic analysis in two cemeteries along the western border of the Xiongnu empire, in present-day Mongolia, an aristocratic cemetery at Takhiltyn Khotgor and a local cemetery in Shombuuzyn Belchir . Scientists sequenced the genomes of 17 individuals at two cemeteries and found a high level of genetic diversity, demonstrating that the Xiongnu empire was racially, multicultural and linguistically diverse.
The genetic diversity in the population suggests that the Xiongnu empire was not composed of many groups for a common reason, according to Choongwon Jeong, an associate professor of biological sciences at Seoul National University. In individual graves, the people with the highest status are women. They held a particularly powerful role in Xiongnu society. The elaborately decorated coffin with the golden Sun and Moon is a symbol of the strength of the Xiongnu. One grave even contained the bodies of six horses and a chariot.
Women possess materials that not only represent their status (belts and necklaces) but also power, says Bryan Miller, associate professor of Central Asian art and archaeology at the University of Michigan. . They were worshiped with many sacrifices from people attending the funeral, demonstrating their importance in the community.
The study also revealed information about the lives of Xiongnu children. Similar to adult men, young boys are buried with bows, unless the child is under 11 years old. Children are interred differently according to age and sex, providing clues about Xiongnu society.
Ursula Brosseder, a prehistoric archeologist at the University of Bonn, conducts research that provides a deeper understanding of the social characteristics of the Xiongnu empire, using genetics as a tool. The power of the Xiongnu empire inspired many later nomadic tribes originating from the Eurasian steppes such as the Mongol Empire.