Multidisciplinary Analysis Reveals the Genetic Origins, Dietary Structure and Living Conditions of Ming Great Wall Residents in Shaanxi, China

The border region, which lies between different regimes, is highly regarded because of its diverse population, dietary habits, and living conditions. The population around the Great Wall was particularly intriguing during the Ming Dynasty, but it remains unstudied archaeologically. The study uses a multidisciplinary approach that includes paleopathology, isotope analysis, and ancient DNA analysis to investigate two individuals found in a Ming Dynasty military fortress at Qingping Fort. Both individuals were middle-aged males. Pathological examinations revealed nasal bone fractures in both individuals, possibly indicating violent interactions within their group or small-scale inter-group conflict. Carbon isotope analysis indicated that their diet predominantly consisted of C4 plants, which reflected their dietary pattern of millet consumption. Nevertheless, the low δ¹⁵N values implied limited meat intake. The paleopathological evidence, in conjunction with these findings, suggests that the individuals lived in a harsh environment. Based on the analysis of ancient DNA and strontium isotopes, it seems that the individuals are most likely from the Yellow River Basin, and there is no evidence of Eastern steppe ancestry. These findings tentatively suggest that at least some residents of Qingping Fort during the Ming dynasty had close genetic connections with Central Plains populations. Given the small sample size, our conclusions are preliminary, and they emphasize the necessity for future studies with an expanded sample. This work offers a starting point for comprehending the lives of residents in Ming frontier societies and underscores the significance of integrating archaeology with a multidisciplinary approach.