Reconstructing the paleoenvironment since the late Neolithic: Integrating phytoliths and geochemical elements from Yuancun archaeological site in Yuncheng Basin, central northern China

Lin, Sen, Niu, Honghao, Qian, Yutong and Chambers, Frank M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0998-2093 (2025) Reconstructing the paleoenvironment since the late Neolithic: Integrating phytoliths and geochemical elements from Yuancun archaeological site in Yuncheng Basin, central northern China. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 65. art: 105249. doi:10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105249

Text 15118 Lin, Niu, Qian, Chambers (2025) Reconstructing the paleoenvironment since the late Neolithic - integrating phytoliths and geochemical elements from Yuancun archaeological...pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 29 May 2027. Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives 4.0. Download (1MB)

Abstract

Research into the dynamics of human living environments is crucial for understanding the evolution of prehistoric cultures and human–environment interactions. This study utilizes a multi-proxy analysis of a natural soil profile at the Yuancun archaeological site to reconstruct paleoenvironmental changes during the Middle Yangshao period (6000–5400 cal yr BP), the Xia-Shang dynasties (4000–3500 cal yr BP), and the Song-Jin dynasties (900–600 cal yr BP) in the Yuncheng Basin of central northern China. Additionally, we further explored the complex relationships between environmental changes in the Yuncheng Basin and the socio-economic structures, migration patterns, and dispersal dynamics of human societies. Phytolith identification revealed 39 distinct types, with short-cell phytoliths being predominant (Rondel: 16.42 %, Bilobate: 21.93 %, Crenate: 2.35 %). Long-cell and hair-cell phytoliths, such as Elongate (24.46 %) and Acute bulbosus (27.38 %), were also common. Paleoenvironmental reconstructions based on the phytolith index (Ic and Iw) and geochemical elements indicate that during the Middle Yangshao period, the climate was warm and humid, with generally favorable environmental conditions. However, during the Xia-Shang dynasties and Song-Jin dynasties, environmental conditions deteriorated significantly, becoming cold and arid. The warm and humid climate of the Middle Yangshao period facilitated population growth and human migration into the Yuncheng Basin. The region experienced a flourishing agricultural economy, supplemented by fishing, hunting, and gathering. During the Xia-Shang dynasties, the deteriorating environment triggered a decline in population and outward human migration from the Yuncheng Basin, although agriculture remained the primary livelihood. In the Song-Jin dynasties, despite continued harsh environmental conditions, advancements in agricultural technology improved human resilience, rendering climatic constraints less significant in limiting human activities. This study highlights the utility of phytolith records for understanding the responsiveness of human activities to environmental changes. It serves as a model for investigation of other important archaeological sites, allowing inferences to be made about human–environment interactions through time.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Paleoenvironmental reconstruction; Multi-proxy analysis; Yangshao period; Yuancun archaeological site; Central northern China
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GF Human geography. Human ecology. Anthropogeography Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Depositing User:	Anna Kerr
Date Deposited:	13 Jun 2025 12:40
Last Modified:	13 Jun 2025 12:45
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/15118

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