Who built a mysterious ancient city in western China?: DNA recovered from people buried at the site reveals surprises.

The article focuses on the archaeological findings at the ancient city of Shimao in western China, revealing insights into its builders and cultural practices through DNA analysis. The study indicates that the population responsible for Shimao, which dates back to around 2200 B.C.E., was largely local, with minimal migration influencing its genetic makeup despite significant technological advancements in metallurgy and agriculture. Additionally, the genetic evidence suggests a patrilineal society among the ruling class, with disturbing implications regarding human sacrifice and the burial practices of retainers or concubines. The findings challenge previous assumptions about the region's role in early Chinese civilization and highlight the complexity of its social structures. [Extracted from the article]