Ancient mitochondrial genomes of Erlitou dogs reveal diverse population dynamics during early state formation in China

Abstract

The Erlitou site (c. 1750 to 1520 cal BC) in the Central Plains of China is widely regarded as the earliest state-level society in East Asia, yet the population history of domestic dogs within this key archaeological context remains poorly understood. Here, we analyze 21 ancient dog samples excavated from Erlitou to investigate their maternal genetic structure and population dynamics during early state formation. Our results reveal high maternal genetic diversity characterized by a majority of individuals belonging to haplogroup A, comprising sub-haplogroups A1, A2, A3, A5, and unassigned A lineages, alongside one individual assigned to the western Eurasian haplogroup C. Phylogenetic and network analyses suggest that this diversity may derive from multiple geographic sources. The identification of the A1 lineage at Erlitou traces its presence in the Central Plains to the Early Bronze Age, suggesting established chronologies of canine lineage replacement require reassessment. The high diversity in maternal lineages of Erlitou dogs revealed by the genetic data, combined with previously published isotopic evidence for millet-based diets, suggests that dogs with diverse maternal lineages were incorporated into local agricultural systems at Erlitou during early state formation. More broadly, dog population dynamics in early China reflect the intensified human mobility and cultural integration associated with early state formation.