Human migration in the eastern Tianshan Mountains between the 7th and 12th centuries

Area of Science:

• Archaeology
• Paleogenetics
• Isotope Geochemistry

Background:

• Mid- to late-Holocene population migrations significantly shaped Eurasian ethnic and cultural interactions, particularly in Central Asia.
• Historical documentation and archaeological evidence for migration processes in the eastern Tianshan Mountains during this period are limited.
• Understanding population movements is crucial for reconstructing historical cultural dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of human migration in the eastern Tianshan Mountains between the 7th and 12th centuries.
• To explore the factors influencing population migration and cultural interaction in the region.
• To propose a new model for diachronic changes in human migration patterns.

Main Methods:

• An interdisciplinary approach combining archaeological data and stable isotope analysis (strontium and lead) of tooth enamel.
• Analysis of 56 human remains from the Lafuqueke (LFQK) cemetery in the Hami Basin.
• Application of a three-phase migration model based on isotopic findings.

Main Results:

• Isotopic analysis revealed distinct migration phases, with the early phase (7th-mid 7th century) showing the highest proportion of non-locals (54.55%).
• The proportion of non-locals decreased in the middle phase (mid 7th-mid 8th centuries) to 30.77% and further declined after the 10th century (16.13%).
• These findings suggest significant population movements and subsequent stabilization over time.

Conclusions:

• The study proposes a new model for diachronic changes in human migration and cultural interaction in the eastern Tianshan Mountains.
• Geopolitics emerged as a significant factor influencing the migratory behavior of the LFQK population.
• The findings contribute to a better understanding of historical population dynamics and cultural exchange in Central Asia.