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A multidisciplinary study on the social customs of the Tang Empire in the Medieval Ages.

Authors :
Zhao, Dongyue
Chen, Yang
Xie, Gaowen
Ma, Pengcheng
Wen, Yufeng
Zhang, Fan
Wang, Yafei
Cui, Yinqiu
Gao, Shizhu
Source :
PLoS ONE. 7/26/2023, Vol. 18 Issue 9, p1-16. 16p.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Multidisciplinary research on human remains can provide important information about population dynamics, culture diffusion, as well as social organization and customs in history. In this study, multidisciplinary analyses were undertaken on a joint burial (M56) in the Shuangzhao cemetery of the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), one of the most prosperous dynasties in Chinese history, to shed light on the genetic profile and sociocultural aspects of this dynasty. The archaeological investigation suggested that this burial belonged to the Mid-Tang period and was used by common civilians. The osteological analysis identified the sex, age, and health status of the three individuals excavated from M56, who shared a similar diet inferred from the stable isotopic data. Genomic evidence revealed that these co-buried individuals had no genetic kinship but all belonged to the gene pool of the ancient populations in the Central Plains, represented by Yangshao and Longshan individuals, etc. Multiple lines of evidence, including archaeology, historic records, as well as chemical and genetic analyses, have indicated a very probable familial joint burial of husband and wives. Our study provides insights into the burial customs and social organization of the Tang Dynasty and reconstructs a scenario of civilian life in historic China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
19326203
Volume :
18
Issue :
9
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
PLoS ONE
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
167303544
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0288128