Tracing the locality of prisoners and workers at the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang: First Emperor of China (259-210 BC)

Isotopic analysis reveals that prisoners forced to construct the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BC) likely originated from southern China, possibly the ancient Chu state. Unlike local workers at Liyi—whose diet was dominated by millet and domestic animals—the Shanren prisoners exhibited a mixed C3/C4 dietary signature, suggesting reduced millet consumption and reliance on wild game, consistent with regional patterns in southern China. This finding aligns with historical accounts and prior genetic evidence, indicating the mausoleum's workforce comprised individuals from diverse origins, including southern Chinese groups.

Ma, Y., Fuller, B. T., Sun, W., Hu, S., Chen, L., Hu, Y., & Richards, M. P. (2016). Tracing the locality of prisoners and workers at the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang: First Emperor of China (259-210 BC). Scientific Reports, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep26731