Isotopic analysis of dietary patterns in northern China from the Proto-Shang Period to the Qin Dynasty

Author(s):
Ma, Y.
Published
2017
Publication type
Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

The stable isotope ratios

of carbon (d13C), nitrogen (d15N) and sulphur (d34S) are measured to examine

human diet, social stratification, mobility and animal husbandry practices. Three

locations comprising four sites from the Yellow River Valleys of north China are investigated: Nancheng (Hebei Province), Xishan (Gansu Province), Liyi and Shanren (Shaanxi Province), and this work represents one of the largest and most detailed isotopic research projects ever conducted in China. This thesis focused on time periods and cultures that were previously underrepresented, in the literature such as the early Bronze/Iron Ages to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC). Further, this thesis found new evidence concerning dietary patterns, social stratification (or lack thereof), animal husbandry practices and human mobility during these formative pre-Qin Empire periods.

Stable isotopePaleodietChinaMilletSocial status
Defense date
2017-11-09
Language
English
Supervisor(s)
Hublin, J.J.; Richards, M.P.
Committee member(s)
Plicht, H. van der; Roebroeks, J.W.M.; Dobney, K.; Laffoon, J.; Jaouen, K.
Qualification
Ph.D.
Degree granting institution
Archaeology, Leiden University, Leiden
hdl
1887/54948

Funding

Sponsorship
Max Planck Society