In turn, this work also demonstrates the profound impact and cultural fusion that the Silk Road had upon the peoples of Xinjiang and Eurasia.Īrtifacts of Yingpan Man. We review these artifacts in detail and combine this information with the isotopic and bioarchaeological evidence to investigate the social status and identity of one of the most-well preserved and enigmatic mummies recovered from Xinjiang: Yingpan Man. The extreme arid environment of the Tarim Basin led to the natural desiccation (mummification) of Yingpan Man and to the exceptional preservation of the organic materials and grave goods recovered from his tomb (Figs. Specifically, measurements of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur stable isotope ratios on multiple tissues (hair, muscle, bone) and associated animal and plant remains, starch grain analysis of dental calculus and radiocarbon dating are presented here to systematically document and visualize never before seen aspects of Yingpan Man’s life. Here, this research seeks to better understand the influence of the Silk Road in Xinjiang through a detailed investigation of the life history of one of the most famous mummies of China: Yingpan Man 14, 15, 16. However, these types of studies permit a better understanding of the nature and influence that this vital network had on populations associated with it 10. At present, little research has investigated the past lifeways of individuals that lived along the Silk Road. Previous archaeological studies concerning the Silk Road were mainly focused on artifacts or the materiality of the Silk Road 8, 9. In terms of diet, cooking technique and cultigens from different parts of Eurasia were available to the ancient inhabitants of Xinjiang, including wheat ( Triticum aestivum), barley ( Hordeum vulgare) and dairy products from the West as well as foxtail ( Setaria italica) and broomcorn ( Panicum miliaceum) millet from the East 11, 12, 13. However, in addition to this economic trade, a remarkably diverse array of ideas, religions, traditions and even diseases were also introduced into ancient Xinjiang 3, 10. For example, Silk Road caravans transported large amounts of exotic goods and luxuries into the lives of the Xinjiang inhabitants: silk, precious metals, jades, minerals, perfumes, etc. Abundant archaeological and anthropological research has revealed that the local populations of Xinjiang subsequently experienced dramatic changes in terms of culture and politics and adopted diverse lifeways and economic strategies that were heavily influenced by both aspects of the East and West 4, 7, 8. Located at a key intersection of this ancient East–West interaction is the modern-day Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China (Fig. This vast network of trade routes linked China with the west and facilitated an unprecedented increase in bidirectional communication, technology transfer and human movement across Eurasia 3. and is willing to destroy our entire existence to claim it.The Silk Road was established during the Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD) 1, 2. Tal-Galan says: The Banished One seeks our most precious treasure. Tal-Galan says: Korthia was hidden deep within the In-Between, safely out of reach. Things deemed too precious to risk falling into malicious hands. Tal-Galan says: My order was charged with safeguarding knowledge and artifacts. Tal-Galan says: You should have seen it in its prime, broker. this is quite an interesting turn of events. I am Tal-Galan, Keeper of Secrets.Ī Maw Walker. We cannot let the Mawsworn reach- Tal-Galan says: Another of the Jailer's agents?! Strike them down! Ve'nari says: Hold! This is a living mortal-the Maw Walker! Not some servant of the Jailer! Tal-Galan says: A Maw Walker? Fascinating! I have studied the prophecies, but. To ensure no enemies have trailed us, of course.įollow the path south to find Tal-Galan and four Korthian Protectors: Perhaps they are the caretakers of Korthia's treasures. Ve'nari says: I detect attendants nearby, like those in Oribos. Scan the area to see what exactly might be nearby. Who knows what secrets this place holds? There is only one way to find out. I must find out more about you, Maw Walker. I will survey the area to see if there is anything useful-or hazardous-nearby. A bit of useful information here, a priceless relic there. Of course, my needs are much more modest. We are on the threshold of attaining our desires, Maw Walker.
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