Holocene spatiotemporal millet agricultural patterns in northern China: a dataset of archaeobotanical macroremains

Abstract. Millet agriculture, i.e., broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) and foxtail (Setaria italica), initially originated in northern China provided the basis for emergence of first state Central Plains. However, owing to lack a comprehensive archaeobotanical dataset, when, where, how these two types evolved across different regions periods remains unclear. Here, we presented dataset macroremains (n=538) spanning Neolithic Bronze ages suggested significant spatiotemporal divergence agriculture subhumid mid-lower Yellow River (MLY) semiarid agro-pastoral ecotone (APE). The key timing diffusion transition occurred around 6000 cal. BP, coinciding with Holocene Optimum (8000–6000 BP) Miaodigou Age (6200–5500 BP). It spread westward northward from MLY APE underwent dramatic low-yield high-yield millet. combined influence warm-wet climate, population pressure, field management may have promoted intensification, diffusion, BP. Thereafter, cropping patterns were predominated by (? 80 %), while those focused on both 60 %) under persistent drying trend since mid-Holocene. This study quantitative during China, which can be used evaluating prehistoric human subsistence, discussing past human–environment interaction, providing valuable perspective agricultural sustainability future. is publicly available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6669730 (He et al., 2022).