Ancient DNA sheds light on the origin and migration patterns of the Xianbei confederation

Xianbei was one of the most powerful nomadic groups in Eastern Eurasia since the collapse of the Xiongnu empire. However, owing to a lack of first-hand written records, the origins of Xianbei and their relationships with surrounding populations remain enigmatic. Here, we produce genomic data of nine Xianbei individuals (ca. 200 CE to 300 CE) from northern China. By combining the available genomes in the literature, we assemble a database that covers almost the entire period of Xianbei as well as samples pre- and post-dating them, allowing us to set the Xianbei in a temporal context. Our study decisively addresses a longstanding hypothesis and supports that the Xianbei was originated from the Amur River region, more specifically from far northeastern China around the Great Khingan Mountain ranges. We also provide direct genetic evidence that during their initial process of moving southward toward the Central Plains of China, Xianbei only received limited exogenous genetic contribution from the local population they encountered, but after settling in northern China, Xianbei not only transformed from nomadic tribes to sedentary agriculturalists but also genetically admixed into the local residents there. In sum, our study represents the inaugural genomic exploration into the origins of the Xianbei, affirms the profound historical connection between the Xianbei and ancient Han Chinese communities, and elucidates the dynamic population history of northern China.