Ancient DNA sheds light on the mating strategies and genetic identity of Han nobles during the Northern and Southern Dynasties

Northern China has been a crucial region for interactions between agricultural and nomadic populations. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, nomadic groups from the northern steppe frequently migrated southward. However, the genetic interactions between steppe nomadic and agricultural populations in the Central Plains, and the extent of their genetic influence, remain unclear. Here, we obtained the ancient genome of three individuals from two noble tombs dating from the Northern Zhou to the Sui Dynasty. We reconstructed the core family structure of a parent-child relationship for these individuals, shedding light on the family structure and marriage patterns of Northern Zhou aristocrats. Although they bore Xianbei surnames, they shared the closest genetic relationship with sedentary agriculturalists in northern China with subtle genetic admixture from nomadic populations of the Eurasian Steppe. This suggests that they were likely Han aristocrats, consistent with historical records indicating their “bestowed Xianbei surnames.” Different from published Han aristocrats, the genetic profiles of these families demonstrate the subtle genetic influence of the Eurasian Steppe pastoralists on the agricultural populations of northern China. Our study reveals the genetic diversity of Han hereditary nobility under nomadic rule, enhancing the comprehension of dynamic population interactions during this period.