Genomic profiling of a six-generation patrilineal family of the Ming-Qing dynasties in China.

ABSTRACT: Family cemeteries from historical periods often follow structured burial patterns, but identifying these arrangements is challenging due to limited written records and ambiguities in archaeological interpretation. Archaeogenetics provides a precise means to determine biological kinship, enabling the reconstruction of social relationships and burial customs. Here, we analyzed ancient DNA and contextual data from 34 individuals at Qianweigou, a Ming-Qing dynasty cemetery in Beijing, reconstructing a six-generation patrilineal pedigree. The genomic data revealed strict patrilineal burial customs, with spouses jointly interred and a non-random west-to-east spatial arrangement reflecting generational chronology. Each generation occupied distinct positions, forming an echelon-like burial pattern

SUBMITTER: Wang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12270692 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature