Early Millet Use and Its Environmental Impact Factors in Northern Shaanxi, Northwest China

Abstract

Northern Shaanxi is important in understanding the ancient use and northward spread of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum). Nonetheless, due to the lack of millet remains, AMS radiocarbon data, and environmental background, the emergence, crop structure, and environmental factors of millet use in northern Shaanxi remain ambiguous. To address this knowledge gap, a systematic survey was conducted along the Beiluo River. Forty-two relic units at 19 Neolithic sites were selected for analysis through phytolith, AMS radiocarbon dating, and spatio-temporal approaches. Phytolith and AMS radiocarbon dating analyses traced the utilization of millets in the Beiluo River to 6280 cal. BP. In addition, broomcorn millet was more prevalent than foxtail millet during the Neolithic period, although the prevalence of the latter increased during the late Longshan period. Spatio-temporal analysis demonstrated that millets initially appeared in the Beiluo River during the Yangshao period, gradually moving away during the Longshan period, which was probably first related to the nearest rivers and then the spread of cattle and sheep. However, the millet cultivation altitude remained at 1400 m throughout the Yangshao and Longshan periods. Collectively, these findings provide evidence for the use and northward spread of millets in northwest China.

Long-Term Responses to a 5.3-ka BP Climate Event and the Absolute Dominance of Foxtail Millet in Early Longshan (4800–4300 BP), Southern Loess Plateau, China

“…The proportion of foxtail millet is only slightly higher than that of broomcorn millet; nevertheless, their proportions remained comparable, with foxtail millet consistently slightly exceeding 50%. Recently, some archaeobotanical works were conducted in this region [69][70][71], and the results show the same pattern. On the other hand, in the Central Plain, the early Longshan period witnessed the ongoing advancement of foxtail millet-based dry farming and a notable increase in rice cultivation.…”

“…The proportion of foxtail millet is only slightly higher than that of broomcorn millet; nevertheless, their proportions remained comparable, with foxtail millet consistently slightly exceeding 50%. Recently, some archaeobotanical works were conducted in this region [69][70][71] Additionally, culinary preferences might also contribute to the choice of foxtail millet. Boiling and steaming were the basis of the Eastern Eurasian culinary tradition [50][51][52].…”