Molecular-Archaeology Reconstruction of 100,000 Years of East Asian History Showcased at World Archaeology Forum

Two Chinese research projects have been selected for the major archaeological achievement showcase of the World Archaeology Forum, according to the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (CAS).

One project is centered on molecular archaeology, integrating ancient DNA, archaeological and paleoenvironmental data to reconstruct 100,000 years of population migration, evolution and adaptation in East Asia. The other focuses on populations in central-southern Inner Mongolia during the Eastern Zhou period, tracing how groups moved from living side by side toward fusion.

The institute notes that both projects being featured together signals growing international recognition for ancient-DNA-based molecular archaeology. The first project follows directly from the long-running East Asian ancient-genome work of Qiaomei Fu’s team.

This item reports an institutional event—the selection itself—rather than new data; readers should consult the original papers of each project for specific conclusions.

Source: Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, CAS. IVPP projects showcased at the World Archaeology Forum, 2025-12-16.