*2.1. Ancient Periods*

Regarding ancient periods, the interconnection among climate, agriculture, and human societies is assessed. Li et al. [1] review archaeobotanical evidence from Neolithic sites in China and show that rice was primarily cultivated in the Yangtze River valley and its southern edge, while millet cultivation occurred in northern China circa 9000–7000 BP. Millet- and rice-based agriculture intensified and expanded during 7000–5000 BP. In 5000–4000 BP, rice agriculture continued to develop in the Yangtze River valley, and millet cultivation moved gradually westwards. Meanwhile, mixed agriculture based on both millet and rice developed along the border between the North and South. Climate-induced changes in vegetation and the environment played a significant role in agricultural development from 7000–6000 BP, while precipitation was crucial in shaping the distinct regional patterns of Chinese agriculture from 6000–4000 BP.

While climate and agriculture were closely connected in ancient times, the social dynamics in human societies were also thought important, significantly mediating the climate–agriculture connection. Wang et al. [2] base their paper on the human bone fragments obtained from the site of Xiaohucun, dated to the late Shang Dynasty (ca. 1250–1046 BC) in China, together with the isotopic analysis of collagen, to illustrate the connections between social status and diet. Those elite members probably consumed more animal protein such as horses, pigs, donkeys, and sheep/goats than the common people in the late Shang Dynasty.
