Millet is a highly adaptable plant whose cultivation dramatically altered ancient economies in northern Asia. The adoption of millet is associated with increased subsistence reliability in semi-arid settings and perceived as a cultigen compatible with pastoralism. Here, we examine the pace of millet’s transmission and locales of adoption by compiling stable carbon isotope data from humans and fauna, then comparing them to environmental variables. The Bayesian modelling of isotope data allows for the assessment of changes in dietary intake over time and space. Our results suggest variability in the pace of adoption and intensification of millet production across northern Asia.

Archaeological excavations at Tell el-Hesi have revealed an extensive Early Bronze Age IIIA city supported by grain-production and possibly trade. Early Bronze III materials are evident from multiple phases of settlement remains and a fortification wall visible in several excavated fields. From these, it appears that animal husbandry, along with grain production, were the main staples for the settlement. The majority of the excavated Early Bronze Age III animal remains, which were abundant, originated from Field VI, an occupation identified by the excavators as a mixed residential/production area. The Hesi field staff understood early on that Field VI contained local work areas with associated butchery spaces in the courtyards, evident by the presence of stone slabs and large bone deposits. The faunal remains from Field VI were first examined in 2006 and several samples were subjected to collagen isotopic analyses, which suggested that butchering activities may have been organized communally. The present research further explores animal processing in Tell el-Hesi’s Field VI by conducting a re-examination of the faunal remains that includes an analysis of cut marks and other evidence of butchery practices. This will allow us to assess the organization of animal processing in courtyards. Results indicate differential uses of this space in connection with animal processing and other exploitation activities, with suggested employment of a direct provisioning system during the EBIIIA occupation.

The Joint Archaeological Expedition to Tell el-Hesi (1970–1983) identified an unusually large number of incised bone tubes from Early Bronze Age IIIA contexts in Field VI. Excavations recovered a total of 15 fragments of the distinctive EB III incised artefacts, two incised bone beads, worked bone debris, and installations for heating concentrated in a sector immediately adjacent to the city wall. Based on these co-occurrences, the original project staff tentatively suggested a bone tube workshop was operational on the site. However, a follow up study was never conducted. This paper provides empirical evidence for the existence of this bone tube workshop and for an associated techno-stylistic tradition at Tell el-Hesi during the EB IIIA. We identify the workshop’s presence using a suite of archaeological correlates: 1) the physical concentration of working debris, partially-finished artefacts, copper tools, and working installations in a differentiated ‘industrial’ space in Field VI; 2) evidence for the same chaîne opératoire involving distinctive production sequences and metal tool use on artefacts and debris from this sector; and 3) closely-shared stylistic and morphometric attributes among both finished and partially-finished fragments.

This study presents evidence for herd management at the early medieval city of Dzhankent in southern Kazakhstan. Located along the Northern Silk Road, Dzhankent was a key trading node linking northern and southern areas between the 9th and 10th centuries ce . To investigate livestock management strategies within this urban center, we conducted incremental carbon (δ ¹³ C) and oxygen (δ ¹⁸ O) isotope analysis on second molars from 16 sheep. Results reveal six distinct isotopic groups characterized by variation in birth seasonality, pasturing regimes, and foddering intensity. A diversity of practices buffered herds against environmental stress and extended access to animal products, such as milk, across the year. The isotopic variation observed suggests that Dzhankent was provisioned through a combination of local herding and regionally sourced animals, reflecting both ecological adaptation and the embeddedness of the city in long‐distance trade. This study demonstrates how flexible herd management supported urban resilience and livestock trade in a marginal environment on the Northern Silk Roads.