Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analysis of a 2,000-year-old necropolis in the Egyin Gol Valley of Mongolia

Abstract

DNA was extracted from the skeletal remains of 62 specimens excavated from the Egyin Gol necropolis, in northern Mongolia. This burial site is linked to the Xiongnu period and was used from the 3rd century b.c. to the 2nd century a.d. Three types of genetic markers were used to determine the genetic relationships between individuals buried in the Egyin Gol necropolis. Results from analyses of autosomal and Y chromosome short tandem repeats, as well as mitochondrial DNA, showed close relationships between several specimens and provided additional background information on the social organization within the necropolis as well as the funeral practices of the Xiongnu people. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study using biparental, paternal, and maternal genetic systems to reconstruct partial genealogies in a protohistoric necropolis.

Figure 1

Location of the Egyin Gol site

Figure 2

Map of the necropolis showing the autosomal STR data. Graves are represented by circles. Letters A, B, C, and D refer to the four sectors distinguished in the present study. Dotted lines define the boundary of these sectors.

Figure 3

Map of the necropolis showing the Y chromosome STR data. Graves containing specimens of the same patrilineage are represented by an identical geometric figure.

Figure 4

Map of the necropolis showing the mtDNA sequences data. Graves containing specimens of the same matrilineage are represented by an identical geometric figure.

Figure 5

Radiocarbon dating map