Columbus as a Sephardic Jew? DNA documentation causes excitement!

Columbus as a Sephardic Jew? DNA documentation causes excitement!

A Spanish documentary caused a stir this week by claiming that Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from the Iberian Peninsula! This bold claim challenges the popular theory that Columbus came from Genoa, Italy. A team of forensic experts from the University of Granada has carried out DNA analysis to investigate the famous explorer's origins and resolve a centuries-old dispute over his roots.

The controversial findings of the film "Columbus DNA: His True Origins" have not yet been peer-reviewed, but they shed new light on the role of DNA in historical research. Rodrigo Barquera, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, explains that while analyzing ancient DNA can provide information about gender and ancestry, it cannot capture cultural characteristics such as nationality or religion. “There is no gene for being Jewish,” emphasizes Barquera.

The discoveries about Columbus

The documentary, which aired on Spain's national day, claims that Columbus was of "western Mediterranean" origin and shared genetic similarities with the people of the Iberian Peninsula. This conclusion contradicts the common view that Columbus came from the Republic of Genoa. Francesc Albardaner, an architect and Columbus researcher, supports the theory that Columbus was a Catalan, born to a Genoese father and a Jewish woman from Valencia. He argues that Columbus kept his origins secret for fear of persecution.

The discussion of Columbus's origins is of great importance because it influences the perception of his role in history. Albardaner emphasizes that the ambiguities about Columbus' origins can lead to false assumptions in historiography. “One small mistake can lead to a whole series of incorrect assumptions,” he warns, calling for closer examination of Columbus’ early life and activities.