Spanish scientists have used DNA analysis to determine that 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe. For centuries, various countries have debated Columbus’ origins and final resting place, with many historians questioning the traditional theory that he came from Genoa, Italy. Other theories suggest he was Spanish, Greek, Basque, Portuguese, or British.
To solve the mystery, researchers conducted a 22-year investigation led by forensic expert Miguel Lorente. They tested small samples of remains buried in Seville Cathedral, long believed to be Columbus’ final resting place. The results, announced in a documentary on Spain’s TVE, showed traits compatible with Jewish origin in Columbus’ and his son Hernando’s DNA.
Lorente stated that Columbus was born in Western Europe, and confirmed that the remains in Seville Cathedral belonged to Columbus. This research was complicated by the amount of data available, but Lorente deemed the outcome almost absolutely reliable.
Columbus, who died in Valladolid, Spain in 1506, had requested to be buried on the island of Hispaniola, which is now shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti. His remains were later moved to Cuba and eventually to Seville in 1898. The findings shed new light on the explorer’s heritage and challenge long-held beliefs about his origins.
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