Ancient secret about Columbus' true origins revealed in study

Ancient secret about Columbus' true origins revealed in study

Christopher Columbus, who lived in the 15th century, was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe, according to Spanish scholars. This finding comes from a DNA analysis that attempts to clarify the centuries-old mystery surrounding its origins.

The controversial origins of Columbus

There has been much debate about the origins and final resting place of the controversial explorer, who set out from Spain in the 1490s and paved the way for the European conquest of the Americas. Historians have increasingly questioned the traditional theory that Columbus came from Genoa, Italy. Alternative theories range from the assumption that he was a Spanish Jew, Greek, Basque, Portuguese or British.

Comprehensive DNA analysis

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, believed to be Columbus' final resting place, although there are also competing claims. The results were announced in a documentary called “Columbus DNA: The True Origin” on Spanish national broadcaster TVE.

DNA and Jewish roots

"We have DNA from Christopher Columbus, very incomplete, but sufficient. We have DNA from Hernando Colón, his son," Lorente explained on the show. “Characteristics consistent with Jewish ancestry are present in both the Y chromosome (male) and mitochondrial DNA (maternally transmitted) of Hernando.”

History of the Sephardic Jews

Before the “Reyes Catolicos”, the Catholic monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand, around 300,000 Jews lived in Spain. These monarchs ordered that Jews and Muslims convert to the Catholic faith or leave the country. Many Jewish families emigrated and settled in different parts of the world. The term “Sephardic” is derived from “Sefarad,” which means “Spain” in Hebrew.

The Burial of Columbus

After analyzing 25 possible birthplaces, Lorente determined that it was only possible to say that Columbus was born in Western Europe. On Thursday, Lorente confirmed previous theories that the remains in Seville Cathedral actually belonged to Columbus. Research into Columbus' nationality has been complicated by a variety of factors and extensive data. “However, the result is almost absolutely reliable,” emphasized Lorente.

Columbus' last will

Columbus died in Valladolid, Spain, in 1506, but wished to be buried on the island of Hispaniola, now shared between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. His remains were transported there in 1542, to Cuba in 1795 and finally, it was long thought, to Seville in 1898.