Diet along the eastern Silk Roads: an isotopic case study of ancient humans and livestock from the Han-Jin Dynasties in the Lop Nur region, northwest China

Abstract

As a crossroad of the ancient Silk Roads, the historic Lop Nur population of northwest China witnessed substantial cultural integration among the Han, Xiongnu, and Western Regions communities known as the ancient Loulan. However, the dietary practices of the Loulan population remains poorly understood due to the challenging, harsh environment for sampling. Here, we present human and faunal multi-isotope data from a simple-constructed cemetery dating to the Han-Jin Dynasties (130–320 AD). The results show that herbivores exhibited exceptionally high δ¹⁵N values, ranging from 10.2‰ to 15.5‰. Combined with regional climate conditions and direct evidence of extensive deposits of archeological animal manure found in Loulan sites, this phenomenon can be interpreted as indicative of extreme regional aridity and intensive fertilization. Humans had mixed C₃/C₄-based diets and relied on animal products. Our study indicates greater millet consumption among rural individuals compared to other more urban Loulan people. Additionally, our research reveals a much higher dietary diversity coupled with millet consumption of Loulan people in comparison to local Bronze Age communities.