Social Sciences in China, 2025

Vol. 46, No. 2, 2025

A Bioarchaeological Investigation of Population Dynamics in South-Central Inner Mongolia during the Eastern Zhou Period

(Abstract)

Zhang Xu

The craniofacial features of indigenous populations in south-central Inner Mongolia primarily align with the “Ancient North China type.” Bioarchaeological studies of Neolithic populations show a gradual inflow of people from the Central Plains, characterized by individuals of the “Ancient Central Plains type.” This northward migration pattern changed significantly during the late Spring and Autumn period, when nomadic groups of the “Ancient Mongolian Plateau type” began expanding southward from the northern steppe regions. These movements not only introduced pastoral lifestyles but also diversified the region’s population structure. In response to increasing pressure from northern nomadic groups, Central Plains states implemented large-scale frontier settlements as a defense strategy. This led to a unique period of overlap between three different population groups: the native “Ancient North China type,” the sinicized “Ancient Central Plains type,” and the newly arrived “Ancient Mongolian Plateau type.” By the mid- to late Warring States period, the weakening military power of nomadic groups allowed Central Plains rulers to introduce policies that promoted integration, including interethnic marriages and administrative reforms. These efforts helped develop a mixed farming and pastoral economy and laid the foundation for stable social and economic structures that lasted into later dynasties.

Keywords: south-central Inner Mongolia, the Eastern Zhou period, osteoarchaeology, population fusion