Ancient DNA Reveals Genetic Diversity of Ancient Residents in Pingcheng City During the Northern Wei Dynasty of China (386–534 ce )

ABSTRACT The Northern Wei Dynasty was a regime established by the Xianbei people. During this period, immigration policies aided the development of Pingcheng. In‐depth research on the complex population history in the Pingcheng City area during the Northern Wei Dynasty can help explore the multiethnic integration and cultural exchange in northern China at that time. In this study, 20 individuals from the Erzhong Tombs near Pingcheng City were chosen for whole‐genome sequencing to investigate the genetic characteristics of the Pingcheng inhabitants during this period. After preliminary screening, the genomes of 13 individuals were used for genetic analysis. They were then subdivided into four groups (EZ, EZₒ1, EZₒ2, and EZₒ3). The most Erzhong individuals (EZ, EZₒ1; 9) could be agricultural people from the Central Plains, who are influenced by the nomadic population in the eastern Eurasian steppe. A few Erzhong individuals (EZₒ2, EZₒ3; 4) might share a close genetic relationship with ancient populations from the western Eurasian Steppe. Our study revealed a high degree of genetic diversity among Northern Wei residents in Pingcheng City and contributes to a better understanding of the genetic integration between the Yellow River Farmers and Eurasian steppe populations during the Northern Wei period.