Paleodietary reconstruction of the past populations at Jiayi cemetery from the Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age in Turpan, Xinjiang, China

Abstract

The Turpan Basin in Xinjiang, China, serves as a crucial nexus connecting the Eurasian continent. Reconstructing the dietary structure and economic livelihood of local ancestors from the Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age contributes to the elucidation of the historical processes of food globalization and cultural exchange between East and West. This study investigates the impact of prehistoric food globalization on the Xinjiang region, particularly the role and significance of millet and Triticeae crops in the local economy. To achieve this, 43 individuals aged over 14 from the Jiayi cemetery in the Turpan Basin were selected to elucidate their dietary sources and economic activities. The stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis results of the Jiayi individuals (δ¹³C: −15.8 ± 1.3 ‰; δ¹⁵N: 11.8 ± 0.7 ‰, n = 43) indicate that they predominantly consumed mixed C₃/C₄-based foods with a notable intake of animal protein. Specifically, adolescents consumed more C₄-based foods, while the dietary patterns of young adults and middle-aged adults were more similar. No significant differences were observed in the diets of individuals concerning sex or socioeconomic status. The diet of the Jiayi people likely included C₃ plants such as naked barley (Hordeum vulgare var. coeleste) and C₄ plants such as broomcorn millet, along with a significant proportion of animal products such as meat and dairy. The Jiayi cemetery provides evidence of the sustained impact of prehistoric food globalization on the local economic livelihood. Millet and Triticeae crops, which originated from both the East and the West, became crucial food sources for Xinjiang ancestors from the Bronze Age to the early Iron Age, enhancing and diversifying their economic endeavors.