Focusing on the Songzhuang cemetery, this study aims to enhance understanding of social diversity in Eastern Zhou society. We adopted a multidisciplinary approach to uncover the profound influence of social inequality within an Eastern Zhou community, and to identify a rare case of social class mobility.
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This is a summary of: Zhang, B. et al. Multidisciplinary analyses and ancient DNA reveal social inequality and mobility in the Central Plains during the Eastern Zhou period in China. Nat. Hum. Behav. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02356-6 (2025).
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Ancient DNA and isotope data reflect social diversity in an Eastern Zhou cemetery. Nat Hum Behav (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02364-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02364-6