Trans-continental cultural exchange in Hexi Corridor, northwest China during Bronze Age

Summary

The Hexi Corridor of Northwest China was an important area for cultural exchange between west and east parts of the Eurasia during both historical and prehistoric times. Here we present new dataset of archaeobotanic, zooarchaeological and bone isotopic analysis, and radiocarbon dating from late Neolithic and Bronze sites in Hexi Corridor, and discuss the history of trans-continental cultural exchange in Hexi Corridor before Han Dynasty (202BC-220AD). Our results revealed the chronology of Neolithic and Bronze Age cultures, the accurate timing of the introduction of millet crops domestication in north China, and wheat and barley domesticated in west Asia, the transition of subsistence strategies, the impact of climate change on culture evolution, and human metal-smelting activities during Bronze period in Hexi Corridor. These works provide valuable insights to understand the pattern of prehistoric culture exchange across Eurasia in key region of the ancient Silk Road, and its impact on cultural development during that period.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)   •
• Cultural Contacts along the Silk Road during the Early Bronze Age

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 15224