A man buried in Mongolia in the Iron Age era

The Xiongnu were a formidable confederation of nomadic tribes that dominated the vast steppes of Central Asia for centuries, specifically from around the 3rd century BCE to the late 1st century CE. Mentioned frequently in Chinese historical texts, their presence and activities significantly impacted the political, military, and cultural landscapes of Ancient Mongolia and its neighboring regions. The Xiongnu are often identified as one of the earliest of the great nomadic empires, exerting influence across a vast territory that stretched from Eastern Europe to the northern borders of China.
Social and Political Structure
Leadership and Organization: The Xiongnu society was highly stratified, with a deeply entrenched hierarchy centered around a supreme leader, known as the \Chanyu." The Chanyu wielded substantial power and was akin to an emperor, supported by a council of nobles and chieftains from various tribes within the confederation. These subordinate leaders managed their respective clans but owed military and political allegiance to the Chanyu.
Tribal Confederation: The Xiongnu's tribal nature was one of their defining features. Composed of various tribes and ethnic groups, their confederacy required a flexible yet strong governance system to maintain unity among diverse peoples. The confederation's strength was its ability to incorporate new tribes, which often occurred through conquest, marriage, or alliance.
Economy and Daily Life
Nomadic Lifestyle: As a quintessential nomadic culture, the Xiongnu relied heavily on horse husbandry and pastoralism. The horse was central to their way of life, symbolizing wealth, status, and mobility. Herds of cattle, sheep, and goats provided sustenance and materials for clothing, making animal husbandry the economic backbone.
Trade and Interaction: Despite their martial reputation, the Xiongnu engaged in trade with neighboring settled civilizations, most notably the Han Dynasty of China. They exchanged goods suited to nomadic life, such as furs and horses, for Chinese silk, grain, and metalwork. This interaction fostered cultural exchanges, although it was not always peaceful.
Military Prowess
Warfare and Tactics: The Xiongnu were renowned for their military capabilities, particularly their skilled cavalry. Their warriors were adept at mounted archery, using composite bows that were both powerful and effective over long distances. Xiongnu forces utilized mobility and speed to conduct swift raids and employ guerrilla tactics against larger, less mobile armies.
Conflicts with China: One of the most significant aspects of Xiongnu history was their relationship with the Chinese states to the south. They were a persistent threat to China's northern borders, leading to numerous military campaigns and the construction of extensive fortifications, including sections of what would become the Great Wall. The ebb and flow of conflict, treaties, and diplomatic marriages characterized Sino-Xiongnu relations.
Culture and Beliefs
Belief Systems: While much about the Xiongnu's spiritual beliefs remains unclear, it is evident that they practiced a form of shamanism. Nature worship and reverence for the sky and mother earth were likely important aspects of their spirituality. Burial practices suggest that they believed in an afterlife, as evidenced by the inclusion of weapons, personal items, and horses in graves.
Cultural Artifacts: Artistic expressions among the Xiongnu included intricate gold and metalwork, typified by animal motifs that conveyed their cosmological beliefs and nomadic lifestyle. Artifacts recovered from burial sites and other archaeological locations illustrate a rich tradition of craftsmanship influenced by interactions with neighboring cultures.
Decline and Legacy
The decline of the Xiongnu in the late 1st century CE can be attributed to a combination of internal strife, overexpansion, and sustained pressure from other emerging nomadic groups and Chinese campaigns. Eventually, the once-formidable confederation fragmented into smaller groups, some of which migrated westward, potentially influencing the development of other nomadic cultures in Europe and Asia.
The legacy of the Xiongnu is observed in their enduring influence on the cultures and histories of the Central Asian steppes. As one of the earliest expansive nomadic empires, they set precedents for later groups such as the Huns and the Mongols, shaping the dynamics between nomadic and sedentary civilizations for centuries to come."
Sample ID | Culture/Period | Date | Location | Action |
---|---|---|---|---|
ARG001 | Late Medieval Tuv, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Tuv. Argali Mountain, Mongolia | View |
ARG002 | Late Medieval Tuv, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Tuv. Argali Mountain, Mongolia | View |
ARG003 | Late Medieval Tuv, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Tuv. Argali Mountain, Mongolia | View |
AST001 | Xiongnu Period Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 164 BCE | Khuvsgul. Atsyn Gol, Mongolia | View |
ATS001 | Xiongnu Period Tuv, Mongolia | 23 CE | Tuv. Atsyn Am, Mongolia | View |
BAM001 | Xiongnu Period Bulgan, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Bulgan. Baruun Mukhdagiin Am, Mongolia | View |
BAU001 | Xiongnu to Late Medieval Selenge, Mongolia | 1305 CE | Selenge. Buural Uul, Mongolia | View |
BAY001 | Late Medieval Tuv, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Tuv. Bayan Khairkhan. Bunkhantyn Gatsaa, Mongolia | View |
BAZ001 | Late Medieval Umungobi, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Umungobi. Banzart Khairkhan, Mongolia | View |
BER002 | Middle to Late Bronze Age Khovd, Mongolia | 1376 BCE | Khovd. Berkh Mountain, Mongolia | View |
BIL001 | Middle to Late Bronze Age Zavkhan, Mongolia | 1420 BCE | Zavkhan. Biluutiin Am, Mongolia | View |
I17652 | Early Iron Age Slab Grave Culture Khentii, Mongolia | 982 BCE | Khentii. Bor Bulag, Mongolia | View |
BRG001 | Late Medieval Selenge, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Selenge. Burgaldain Khundii, Mongolia | View |
BRG002 | Late Medieval Selenge, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Selenge. Burgaldain Khundii, Mongolia | View |
BRG004 | Late Medieval Selenge, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Selenge. Burgaldain Khundii, Mongolia | View |
BRG005 | Late Medieval Selenge, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Selenge. Burgaldain Khundii, Mongolia | View |
BRL001 | Xiongnu to Late Medieval Selenge, Mongolia | 1305 CE | Selenge. Buural Uul, Mongolia | View |
BRL002 | Xiongnu to Late Medieval Selenge, Mongolia | 1250 CE | Selenge. Buural Uul, Mongolia | View |
BRU001 | Xiongnu Period Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Baruun Khovdiin Am, Mongolia | View |
BTO001 | Xiongnu Period Bulgan, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Bulgan. Burkhan Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
BUL002 | Middle to Late Bronze Age Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 2000 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Bulgiin Ekh, Mongolia | View |
BUR001 | Early Medieval Xiongnu | 103 BCE | Arkhangai. Tamiryn Ulaan Khoshuu. Burkhan Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
BUR002 | Early Medieval Xiongnu | 150 BCE | Arkhangai. Tamiryn Ulaan Khoshuu. Burkhan Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
BUR003 | Early Medieval Xiongnu | 150 BCE | Arkhangai. Tamiryn Ulaan Khoshuu. Burkhan Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
BUR004 | Early Medieval Xiongnu | 40 BCE | Arkhangai. Tamiryn Ulaan Khoshuu. Burkhan Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
CHD001 | Late Medieval Khentii, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Khentii. Chandgan Talyn Uurkhai, Mongolia | View |
CHN001 | Early Iron Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Uvs, Mongolia | 356 BCE | Uvs. Chandman Mountain. Ulaangom cemetery, Mongolia | View |
CHN003 | Early Iron Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Uvs, Mongolia | 384 BCE | Uvs. Chandman Mountain. Ulaangom cemetery, Mongolia | View |
CHN004 | Early Iron Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Uvs, Mongolia | 400 BCE | Uvs. Chandman Mountain. Ulaangom cemetery, Mongolia | View |
CHN006 | Early Iron Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Uvs, Mongolia | 400 BCE | Uvs. Chandman Mountain. Ulaangom cemetery, Mongolia | View |
CHN007 | Early Iron Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Uvs, Mongolia | 400 BCE | Uvs. Chandman Mountain. Ulaangom cemetery, Mongolia | View |
CHN008 | Early Iron Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Uvs, Mongolia | 400 BCE | Uvs. Chandman Mountain. Ulaangom cemetery, Mongolia | View |
CHN010 | Early Iron Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Uvs, Mongolia | 89 BCE | Uvs. Chandman Mountain. Ulaangom cemetery, Mongolia | View |
CHN012 | Early Iron Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Uvs, Mongolia | 400 BCE | Uvs. Chandman Mountain. Ulaangom cemetery, Mongolia | View |
CHN014 | Early Iron Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Uvs, Mongolia | 1323 CE | Uvs. Chandman Mountain. Ulaangom cemetery, Mongolia | View |
CHN015 | Early Iron Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Uvs, Mongolia | 400 BCE | Uvs. Chandman Mountain. Ulaangom cemetery, Mongolia | View |
CHN016 | Early Iron Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Uvs, Mongolia | 400 BCE | Uvs. Chandman Mountain. Ulaangom cemetery, Mongolia | View |
DAR001 | Early Iron Age to Late Medieval Mongolia | 750 BCE | Ulaanbaatar. Dartsagt, Mongolia | View |
DAR002 | Early Iron Age to Late Medieval Mongolia | 800 BCE | Ulaanbaatar. Dartsagt, Mongolia | View |
DAS001 | Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Sukhbaatar. Lamt Mountain, Mongolia | View |
DEE001 | Late Medieval Mongolia | 1328 CE | Arkhangai. Delen Tolgoi. Melkhii Chuluu, Mongolia | View |
DEL001 | Xiongnu Period Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 96 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Delgerkhaan Uul, Mongolia | View |
DOL001 | Xiongnu Period Khentii, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Khentii. Khanan Uul, Mongolia | View |
DUU001 | Late Medieval Xiongnu | 43 BCE | Khentii. Duulga Uul, Mongolia | View |
DUU002 | Late Medieval Xiongnu | 1221 CE | Khentii. Duulga Uul, Mongolia | View |
EME002 | The Xiongnu People | 200 BCE | Arkhangai. Emeel Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
ERD001 | Late Medieval Umungobi, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Umungobi. Erdene Mountain, Mongolia | View |
ERM001 | Pre-Bronze Age Mongolia | 3782 BCE | Arkhangai. Erdenemandal, Mongolia | View |
FNO001 | Pre-Bronze Age Buryatia, Russia | 5995 BCE | Buryatia. Fofonovo, Russia | View |
FNO003 | Pre-Bronze Age Buryatia, Russia | 6000 BCE | Buryatia. Fofonovo, Russia | View |
FNO006 | Pre-Bronze Age Buryatia, Russia | 6000 BCE | Buryatia. Fofonovo, Russia | View |
FNO007 | Pre-Bronze Age Buryatia, Russia | 5882 BCE | Buryatia. Fofonovo, Russia | View |
GAN002 | Late Medieval Umungobi, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Umungobi. Ganzagad, Mongolia | View |
GTO001 | Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Sukhbaatar. Gangyn Tsagaan Ovoo, Mongolia | View |
GUN002 | Late Medieval Umungobi, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Umungobi. Gun Tharmagtai, Mongolia | View |
HUD001 | The Xiongnu People | 200 BCE | Arkhangai. Khudgiin Am, Mongolia | View |
IAG001 | Early Bronze Age Khovd, Mongolia | 2570 BCE | Khovd. Yagshiin Khuduu, Mongolia | View |
IKU001 | Late Medieval Umungobi, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Umungobi. Ikh Uvgun, Mongolia | View |
IMA001 | Xiongnu Period Buryatia, Russia | 200 BCE | Buryatia. Il'movaya Pad, Russia | View |
IMA002 | Xiongnu Period Buryatia, Russia | 200 BCE | Buryatia. Il'movaya Pad, Russia | View |
IMA003 | Xiongnu Period Buryatia, Russia | 174 BCE | Buryatia. Il'movaya Pad, Russia | View |
IMA004 | Xiongnu Period Buryatia, Russia | 200 BCE | Buryatia. Il'movaya Pad, Russia | View |
IMA005 | Xiongnu Period Buryatia, Russia | 169 BCE | Buryatia. Il'movaya Pad, Russia | View |
IMA006 | Xiongnu Period Buryatia, Russia | 51 BCE | Buryatia. Il'movaya Pad, Russia | View |
IMA007 | Xiongnu Period Buryatia, Russia | 200 BCE | Buryatia. Il'movaya Pad, Russia | View |
IMA008 | Xiongnu Period Buryatia, Russia | 200 BCE | Buryatia. Il'movaya Pad, Russia | View |
JAA001 | Xiongnu Period Khentii, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Khentii. Jargalantyn Am. Jargalantyn Khondii/Hundhii, Mongolia | View |
JAG001 | Xiongnu Period Khentii, Mongolia | 197 BCE | Khentii. Jargalantyn Am. Jargalantyn Khondii/Hundhii, Mongolia | View |
KGK001 | Late Medieval Mongolia | 1000 CE | Arkhangai. Khirgest Khooloi, Mongolia | View |
KHI001 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Khovd, Mongolia | 1104 BCE | Khovd. Khoit Tsenkher. Tarvagatain Am, Mongolia | View |
KHL001 | Late Medieval Khovd, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Khovd. Khalzan Khoshuu. Bodonch Gol, Mongolia | View |
KHN001 | Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Sukhbaatar. Khalgan Khoshuu. Zamyn Khashat. Khanan bor, Mongolia | View |
KHO001 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Khovd, Mongolia | 1163 CE | Khovd. Khoit Tsenkher. Tarvagatain Am, Mongolia | View |
KHO006 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Khovd, Mongolia | 1150 BCE | Khovd. Khoit Tsenkher. Tarvagatain Am, Mongolia | View |
KHO007 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Khovd, Mongolia | 26 CE | Khovd. Khoit Tsenkher. Tarvagatain Am, Mongolia | View |
KHU001 | Middle to Late Bronze Age Zavkhan, Mongolia | 2000 BCE | Zavkhan. Khukh Khoshuunii Boom, Mongolia | View |
KHV002 | Late Medieval Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Khuvsgul. Khavtsal II, Mongolia | View |
KNN001 | Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Sukhbaatar. Khalgan Khoshuu. Zamyn Khashat. Khanan bor, Mongolia | View |
KNU001 | Late Medieval Mongolia | 1000 CE | Arkhangai. Khanui, Mongolia | View |
KRN001 | Late Medieval Selenge, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Selenge. Karnikovyn Am, Mongolia | View |
KRN002 | Late Medieval Selenge, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Selenge. Karnikovyn Am, Mongolia | View |
MIT001 | Early Iron Age Tuv, Mongolia | 1192 BCE | Tuv. Morin Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
MRI001 | Late Medieval Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Khuvsgul. Mori Baridag, Mongolia | View |
NAI001 | The Xiongnu People | 200 BCE | Arkhangai. Naimaa Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
NAI002 | The Xiongnu People | 200 BCE | Arkhangai. Naimaa Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
NOM001 | Early Medieval Mongolia | 500 CE | Arkhangai. Nomgonii Khundii, Mongolia | View |
NRC001 | Late Medieval Uvurkhangai, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Uvurkhangai. Baga Artsatyn Am. NW cemetery, Mongolia | View |
OLN001 | Early Medieval Mongolia | 700 CE | Arkhangai. Olon Dov, Mongolia | View |
OLN002 | Early Medieval Mongolia | 700 CE | Arkhangai. Olon Dov, Mongolia | View |
OLN003 | Early Medieval Mongolia | 772 CE | Arkhangai. Olon Dov, Mongolia | View |
OLN004 | Early Medieval Mongolia | 700 CE | Arkhangai. Olon Dov, Mongolia | View |
OLN005 | Early Medieval Mongolia | 700 CE | Arkhangai. Olon Dov, Mongolia | View |
OLN007 | Early Medieval Mongolia | 700 CE | Arkhangai. Olon Dov, Mongolia | View |
OLN008 | Early Medieval Mongolia | 700 CE | Arkhangai. Olon Dov, Mongolia | View |
OLN009 | Early Medieval Mongolia | 700 CE | Arkhangai. Olon Dov, Mongolia | View |
OLN010 | Early Medieval Mongolia | 700 CE | Arkhangai. Olon Dov, Mongolia | View |
OLN011 | Early Medieval Mongolia | 700 CE | Arkhangai. Olon Dov, Mongolia | View |
OLN012 | Early Medieval Mongolia | 700 CE | Arkhangai. Olon Dov, Mongolia | View |
PTO001 | Early Iron Age Buryatia, Russia | 1053 BCE | Buryatia. Pesterevo 82, Russia | View |
RAH001 | Late Medieval Khentii, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Khentii. Rahsaan Khad, Mongolia | View |
SAN001 | Xiongnu Period Dornod, Mongolia | 10 CE | Dornod. Sant Uul, Mongolia | View |
SBG001 | Middle to Late Bronze Age Khovd, Mongolia | 1442 BCE | Khovd. Shar Gobi-3. Shar gov' 3, Mongolia | View |
SHA001 | Late Medieval Umungobi, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Umungobi. Shar Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
SHG001 | Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Sukhbaatar. Sharga Uul, Mongolia | View |
SHG002 | Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Sukhbaatar. Sharga Uul, Mongolia | View |
SHG003 | Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Sukhbaatar. Sharga Uul, Mongolia | View |
SHR001 | Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Sukhbaatar. Shar Khad, Mongolia | View |
SHT001 | Early Bronze Age Mongolia | 3320 BCE | Bayankhongor. Shatar Chuluu, Mongolia | View |
SHT002 | Early Bronze Age Mongolia | 3316 BCE | Bayankhongor. Shatar Chuluu, Mongolia | View |
SHU001 | Early Iron Age to Late Medieval Uvurkhangai, Mongolia | 1107 BCE | Uvurkhangai. Shunkhlai Mountain, Mongolia | View |
SHU002 | Early Iron Age to Late Medieval Uvurkhangai, Mongolia | 1175 CE | Uvurkhangai. Shunkhlai Mountain, Mongolia | View |
SKT001 | Xiongnu to Late Medieval Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Khuvsgul. Salkhityn Am, Mongolia | View |
SKT002 | Xiongnu to Late Medieval Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 340 BCE | Khuvsgul. Salkhityn Am, Mongolia | View |
SKT003 | Xiongnu to Late Medieval Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Khuvsgul. Salkhityn Am, Mongolia | View |
SKT004 | Xiongnu to Late Medieval Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Khuvsgul. Salkhityn Am, Mongolia | View |
SKT005 | Xiongnu to Late Medieval Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Khuvsgul. Salkhityn Am, Mongolia | View |
SKT006 | Xiongnu to Late Medieval Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 162 BCE | Khuvsgul. Salkhityn Am, Mongolia | View |
SKT007 | Xiongnu to Late Medieval Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Khuvsgul. Salkhityn Am, Mongolia | View |
SKT008 | Xiongnu to Late Medieval Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Khuvsgul. Salkhityn Am, Mongolia | View |
SKT009 | Xiongnu to Late Medieval Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Khuvsgul. Salkhityn Am, Mongolia | View |
SKT010 | Xiongnu to Late Medieval Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 356 BCE | Khuvsgul. Salkhityn Am, Mongolia | View |
SKT012 | Xiongnu to Late Medieval Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Khuvsgul. Salkhityn Am, Mongolia | View |
SOL001 | The Xiongnu People | 200 BCE | Arkhangai. Solbi Uul, Mongolia | View |
SON001 | Xiongnu Period Tuv, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Tuv. Songino Khairkhan, Mongolia | View |
SOU001 | Pre-Bronze Age Dornod, Mongolia | 4684 BCE | Dornod. South bank of Kherlen River, Mongolia | View |
TAH002 | Late Medieval Khovd, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Khovd. Takhiltyn Khotgor II, Mongolia | View |
TAK001 | Xiongnu Period Khovd, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Khovd. Takhiltyn Khotgor I, Mongolia | View |
TAV001 | Late Medieval Xiongnu | 200 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Tavan Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
TAV005 | Late Medieval Xiongnu | 200 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Tavan Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
TAV006 | Late Medieval Xiongnu | 200 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Tavan Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
TAV011 | Late Medieval Xiongnu | 200 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Tavan Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
TEV002 | Xiongnu Period Uvurkhangai, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Uvurkhangai. Tevsh Mountain, Mongolia | View |
TEV003 | Xiongnu Period Uvurkhangai, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Uvurkhangai. Tevsh Mountain, Mongolia | View |
TMI001 | Early Medieval Xiongnu | 40 BCE | Arkhangai. Tamiryn Ulaan Khoshuu. Burkhan Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
TSA001 | Late Medieval Mongolia | 1000 CE | Dornod. Tsagaan Chuluut, Mongolia | View |
TSA002 | Late Medieval Mongolia | 1000 CE | Dornod. Tsagaan Chuluut, Mongolia | View |
TSA003 | Late Medieval Mongolia | 1000 CE | Dornod. Tsagaan Chuluut, Mongolia | View |
TSA004 | Late Medieval Mongolia | 1000 CE | Dornod. Tsagaan Chuluut, Mongolia | View |
TSA005 | Late Medieval Mongolia | 1000 CE | Dornod. Tsagaan Chuluut, Mongolia | View |
TSA006 | Late Medieval Mongolia | 1000 CE | Dornod. Tsagaan Chuluut, Mongolia | View |
TSA007 | Late Medieval Mongolia | 1000 CE | Dornod. Tsagaan Chuluut, Mongolia | View |
TSB001 | Middle to Late Bronze Age Mongolia | 660 CE | Arkhangai. Tsaidam Bag. Shiveet Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
TSI001 | Middle to Late Bronze Age Mongolia | 900 BCE | Arkhangai. Tsaidam Bag. Shiveet Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
TUH001 | Early Medieval Xiongnu | 150 BCE | Arkhangai. Tamiryn Ulaan Khoshuu. Burkhan Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
TUH002 | Early Medieval Xiongnu | 150 BCE | Arkhangai. Tamiryn Ulaan Khoshuu. Burkhan Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
TUK001 | Early Medieval Xiongnu | 250 CE | Arkhangai. Tamiryn Ulaan Khoshuu. Burkhan Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
TUK002 | Early Medieval Xiongnu | 150 BCE | Arkhangai. Tamiryn Ulaan Khoshuu. Burkhan Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
TUK003 | Early Medieval Xiongnu | 150 BCE | Arkhangai. Tamiryn Ulaan Khoshuu. Burkhan Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
TUM001 | Early Medieval Bulgan, Mongolia | 500 CE | Bulgan. Shoroon Bumbagar. Türkic mausoleum, Mongolia | View |
UGO001 | Late Medieval Mongolia | 1000 CE | Dornod. Ugoomor, Mongolia | View |
UGO002 | Late Medieval Mongolia | 1000 CE | Dornod. Ugoomor, Mongolia | View |
UGU001 | Medieval Xiongnu | 676 CE | Selenge. Uguumur Uul, Mongolia | View |
UGU002 | Medieval Xiongnu | 41 BCE | Selenge. Uguumur Uul, Mongolia | View |
UGU003 | Medieval Xiongnu | 50 BCE | Selenge. Uguumur Uul, Mongolia | View |
UGU005 | Medieval Xiongnu | 17 CE | Selenge. Uguumur Uul, Mongolia | View |
UGU006 | Medieval Xiongnu | 50 BCE | Selenge. Uguumur Uul, Mongolia | View |
UGU010 | Medieval Xiongnu | 43 BCE | Selenge. Uguumur Uul, Mongolia | View |
UGU011 | Medieval Xiongnu | 50 BCE | Selenge. Uguumur Uul, Mongolia | View |
ULA001 | Late Medieval Bulgan, Mongolia | 1035 CE | Bulgan. Ulaan Kherem II, Mongolia | View |
ULI001 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Early Medieval Khovd, Mongolia | 1278 BCE | Khovd. lower and middle terraces. Uliastai River, Mongolia | View |
ULI002 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Early Medieval Khovd, Mongolia | 651 CE | Khovd. lower and middle terraces. Uliastai River, Mongolia | View |
ULI003 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Early Medieval Khovd, Mongolia | 1203 BCE | Khovd. lower and middle terraces. Uliastai River, Mongolia | View |
ULN001 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1392 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Ulaanzuukh, Mongolia | View |
ULN002 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1650 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Ulaanzuukh, Mongolia | View |
ULN003 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1416 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Ulaanzuukh, Mongolia | View |
ULN004 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 96 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Ulaanzuukh, Mongolia | View |
ULN005 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1602 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Ulaanzuukh, Mongolia | View |
ULN006 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1650 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Ulaanzuukh, Mongolia | View |
ULN007 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1650 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Ulaanzuukh, Mongolia | View |
ULN009 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1650 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Ulaanzuukh, Mongolia | View |
ULN010 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1650 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Ulaanzuukh, Mongolia | View |
ULN011 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1176 CE | Sukhbaatar. Ulaanzuukh, Mongolia | View |
ULN015 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Xiongnu to Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1445 BCE | Sukhbaatar. Ulaanzuukh, Mongolia | View |
UUS001 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Late Medieval Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 1250 CE | Khuvsgul. Uushigiin Uver, Mongolia | View |
UUS002 | Middle to Late Bronze Age to Late Medieval Khuvsgul, Mongolia | 1292 CE | Khuvsgul. Uushigiin Uver, Mongolia | View |
UVG001 | Xiongnu Period Bulgan, Mongolia | 200 BCE | Bulgan. Ovgont, Mongolia | View |
YUR001 | Xiongnu Period Selenge, Mongolia | 52 BCE | Selenge. Yuroo II, Mongolia | View |
ZAA001 | Early to Late Medieval Mongolia | 550 CE | Bulgan. Zaan-Khoshuu, Mongolia | View |
ZAA002 | Early to Late Medieval Mongolia | 596 CE | Bulgan. Zaan-Khoshuu, Mongolia | View |
ZAA003 | Early to Late Medieval Mongolia | 1021 CE | Bulgan. Zaan-Khoshuu, Mongolia | View |
ZAA004 | Early to Late Medieval Mongolia | 550 CE | Bulgan. Zaan-Khoshuu, Mongolia | View |
ZAA005 | Early to Late Medieval Mongolia | 1033 CE | Bulgan. Zaan-Khoshuu, Mongolia | View |
ZAA007 | Early to Late Medieval Mongolia | 671 CE | Bulgan. Zaan-Khoshuu, Mongolia | View |
ZAM001 | Late Medieval Dundgobi, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Dundgobi. Zambaga Khairkhan, Mongolia | View |
ZAM002 | Late Medieval Dundgobi, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Dundgobi. Zambaga Khairkhan, Mongolia | View |
ZAR002 | Late Medieval Bulgan, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Bulgan. Zaraa Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
ZAY001 | Late Medieval Sukhbaatar, Mongolia | 1000 CE | Sukhbaatar. Khalgan Khoshuu. Zamyn Khashat. Khanan bor, Mongolia | View |
I14037 | 1422 BCE | Sükhbaatar aimag. Tuvshinshiree sum. Bulgiin ekh. Tomb 47, Mongolia | View | |
I13180 | 3012 BCE | Bayan-Ulgii aimag. Ulaankhus sum. Kumdii govi barrow. burial 2, Mongolia | View | |
I6361 | 2619 BCE | Bayan-Ulgii aimag. Ulaankhus sum. Kurgak govi barrow 2 secondary burial, Mongolia | View | |
I13173 | 1876 BCE | Khovd. Munkhkhairkhan sum. Ulaan goviin uzuur barrow 2, Mongolia | View | |
UGU002 | 41 BCE | Selenge. Uguumur Uul, Mongolia | View | |
I6362 | 1044 BCE | Khovd. Bulgan sum. Khudzhirtyn gol I. kurgan 2, Mongolia | View | |
I12957 | 2574 BCE | Khovd. Bulgan sum. Yagshiin hodoo. Barrow 3, Mongolia | View | |
BOR001 | Early Iron Age Slab Grave Culture Khentii, Mongolia | 982 BCE | Bor-Bulag (Khentii Province, Binder District), Mongolia | View |
BUL001 | Late Bronze Age Ulaanzukh 2, Mongolia | 1422 BCE | Bulgiin-ekh (Sükhbaatar Province, Tüvshinshiree District), Mongolia | View |
KUM001 | Early Bronze Age Ulgii 1, Mongolia | 3012 BCE | Kumdii-govi (Bayan-Ölgii Province, Ulaankhus District), Mongolia | View |
KUR001 | Early Bronze Age Ulgii 1, Mongolia | 2619 BCE | Kurgak govi (Bayan-Ulgii aimag, Ulaankhus sum), Mongolia | View |
UAA001 | Middle Bronze Age Munkhkhairkhan 2, Mongolia | 1876 BCE | Ulaan-goviin-uzuur (Khovd Province, Mönkhkhairkhan District), Mongolia | View |
UGU004 | Medieval Xiongnu | 41 BCE | Uguumur-Uul (Selenge Province, Sant District), Mongolia | View |
ULZ001 | Late Bronze Age Center West 5, Mongolia | 1044 BCE | Khudzhirtyn-gol-1 (Khovd Province, Üyench District), Mongolia | View |
YAG001 | Early Bronze Age Chemurchek Culture 2, Mongolia | 2574 BCE | Yagshiin-Khuduu (Khovd Province, Bulgan District), Mongolia | View |
Sample ID | Culture/Period | Date | Location | Action |
---|---|---|---|---|
EME002 | The Xiongnu People | 200 BCE | Arkhangai. Emeel Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
HUD001 | The Xiongnu People | 200 BCE | Arkhangai. Khudgiin Am, Mongolia | View |
NAI001 | The Xiongnu People | 200 BCE | Arkhangai. Naimaa Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
NAI002 | The Xiongnu People | 200 BCE | Arkhangai. Naimaa Tolgoi, Mongolia | View |
SOL001 | The Xiongnu People | 200 BCE | Arkhangai. Solbi Uul, Mongolia | View |
Ancient genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (NAI001) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles ancient populations from different geographic regions.
Modern genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (NAI001) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles modern populations from different geographic regions.
These results complement the ancient ancestry components shown in the previous section, offering a different perspective on the individual's genetic profile by comparing it with modern reference populations rather than prehistoric ancestral groups.
The G25 coordinates for the sample NAI001 are as follows. You can analyze its admixture using G25 Studio.
NAI001,0.08978174,-1.576E-05,-0.00080114,0.02122322,-0.04149818,0.00939114,0.0062844,-0.0014911,-0.02873294,-0.02641536,-0.00272704,0.00277948,-0.0039399,-0.01300126,0.01112924,0.00172662,-0.00670912,-0.0007396,-0.00107922,-0.00140262,-0.00833532,0.00268602,0.00124774,0.00690682,-0.00264421
A Dynamic 6,000-Year Genetic History of Eurasia's Eastern Steppe
The Eastern Eurasian Steppe was home to historic empires of nomadic pastoralists, including the Xiongnu and the Mongols. However, little is known about the region's population history. Here, we reveal its dynamic genetic history by analyzing new genome-wide data for 214 ancient individuals spanning 6,000 years. We identify a pastoralist expansion into Mongolia ca. 3000 BCE, and by the Late Bronze Age, Mongolian populations were biogeographically structured into three distinct groups, all practicing dairy pastoralism regardless of ancestry. The Xiongnu emerged from the mixing of these populations and those from surrounding regions. By comparison, the Mongols exhibit much higher eastern Eurasian ancestry, resembling present-day Mongolic-speaking populations. Our results illuminate the complex interplay between genetic, sociopolitical, and cultural changes on the Eastern Steppe.