Researchers studied 32 skeletons from an ancient Chinese cemetery dating back to 771-221 BC to understand how social class affected people’s lives. Using advanced DNA testing and chemical analysis of bones and teeth, they discovered that wealthy nobles ate better food than lower-class people, and this inequality started in childhood. Surprisingly, most human sacrifices were young women, suggesting they were treated unfairly. The study also found that some nobles came from other regions, and a few people managed to move up in social class—though this was extremely rare. This research shows us how deeply inequality was built into ancient Chinese society.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How social class affected what people ate, where they came from, and how they were treated in ancient China during the Eastern Zhou period (771-221 BC)
  • Who participated: 32 skeletons from Songzhuang Cemetery in Henan Province, China, including nobles, sacrificial victims, and their companions. The group included both men and women of various ages
  • Key finding: Young women made up 85% of human sacrifices (22 out of 26), and wealthy nobles ate significantly more protein and different grains than lower-class people. These dietary differences started as early as childhood
  • What it means for you: This historical research helps us understand how inequality has deep roots in human societies and how it affects health and opportunity from childhood. While this is ancient history, it reminds us that inequality isn’t new and has always shaped people’s lives

The Research Details

Scientists examined 32 ancient skeletons using three main techniques. First, they extracted DNA from bones to identify family relationships and determine if people were male or female. Second, they analyzed chemical signatures in bones and teeth—similar to reading a food diary written in your body. Third, they measured different forms of elements like strontium and oxygen to figure out where people grew up and what they ate. By combining all three methods, researchers could paint a detailed picture of each person’s life, including their social status, diet, and origins.

Using multiple techniques together is much more reliable than using just one method. DNA tells us family connections, while chemical analysis reveals diet and movement patterns. By combining these approaches, researchers can confidently say what they found is accurate. This multi-method approach is considered the gold standard in archaeological research

This study was published in Nature Human Behaviour, one of the world’s most respected scientific journals. The research used cutting-edge technology including ancient DNA analysis and protein testing. The large number of skeletons (32) from a single cemetery provides good evidence. However, the study focuses on one specific cemetery, so results may not apply to all ancient Chinese societies

What the Results Show

The most striking finding was the extreme gender inequality in human sacrifices. Of 26 people sacrificed, 22 were young women—about 85%. This suggests women had much less power and protection in this society. Chemical analysis of bones revealed clear dietary differences: nobles ate more protein-rich foods and different types of grains (millet) compared to lower-class people. The nobles’ bones showed higher nitrogen levels (11.6‰ versus 7.7-8.5‰), which indicates more meat consumption. Carbon levels in bones also differed significantly, showing nobles ate different plant foods. Most importantly, these dietary gaps appeared as early as childhood, meaning inequality wasn’t just something that happened to adults—it was built into society from birth.

DNA analysis revealed that many nobles were not originally from the cemetery region—they had migrated from elsewhere. This suggests that marriage and moving to new places were important ways for noble families to maintain their power and form alliances. Interestingly, genetic testing showed that one sacrificial victim was related to four noblewomen, indicating that even family connections couldn’t always protect people from being sacrificed. In rare cases, tooth analysis suggested that two individuals experienced dietary improvements during childhood, hinting that social mobility—moving up in class—was possible but extremely uncommon

This research confirms what historians suspected about ancient Chinese society but provides concrete evidence. Previous studies suggested inequality existed, but this is the first time scientists have shown it started in childhood and affected what people ate. The finding about female sacrifices aligns with historical records that mention this practice, but the DNA evidence proves it happened at this specific cemetery. The discovery of rare social mobility is new and suggests that while class was rigid, it wasn’t completely impossible to change your status

This study examined only one cemetery, so we can’t be certain these patterns applied to all of ancient China. The skeletons are very old, and DNA degrades over time, so some genetic information may be incomplete. We don’t know the full context of people’s lives—only what bones and teeth can tell us. The study focuses on one time period (Eastern Zhou), so we can’t say if these patterns changed over centuries. Additionally, the small sample size means we should be cautious about making broad claims about entire populations

The Bottom Line

This is historical research, not medical advice, so there are no direct health recommendations. However, it suggests that inequality affects health from childhood onward. Modern takeaway: Ensuring all children have access to good nutrition and equal opportunities may help reduce health gaps that develop early in life. Confidence level: This is observational historical evidence, not a clinical trial, so we should view it as informative context rather than direct guidance

Historians, archaeologists, and anthropologists will find this directly relevant. Educators can use this to teach about ancient societies and inequality. Anyone interested in how social class affects health and opportunity should find this compelling. This is NOT medical advice for treating any condition. People should not use this to make health decisions without consulting healthcare providers

This is ancient history from 2,000+ years ago, so there’s no timeline for personal benefits. However, understanding how inequality affects development may inform modern public health policies over years or decades

Want to Apply This Research?

  • While this is historical research, users interested in nutrition inequality could track their own family’s dietary diversity and compare it to recommended nutrition guidelines. Track: types of protein sources consumed weekly, variety of grains eaten, and whether all family members have equal access to nutritious foods
  • Use this research as motivation to ensure equal nutrition access in your household. If you have children, track whether they’re getting consistent, high-quality nutrition. Consider meal planning to ensure all family members eat similar quality foods, reflecting modern values of equality that contrast with the inequality shown in this ancient society
  • Monthly check-ins on household nutrition equity: Are all family members eating similar quality foods? Are children getting adequate protein and diverse grains? This connects to the research’s finding that dietary inequality started in childhood and had lifelong effects

This is historical and archaeological research about ancient Chinese society, not medical or nutritional guidance. The findings describe patterns from 2,000+ years ago and should not be used to make health decisions. If you have concerns about nutrition, dietary inequality, or health disparities, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider or registered dietitian. This research is informational and educational only.