A new genetic study led by Spanish scientists has revealed the origins of explorer Christopher Columbus. According to research, Columbus was most likely born in Western Europe. The DNA analysis contradicts the conventional theory, contested by some historians, that the navigator was Italian.
It was previously believed that Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451, into a family of weavers. However, the current evidence indicates that he may have been in Spain – possibly in Valencia – and that he was of Jewish origin. Scholars suggest that he hid his origins to escape persecution.
About 300,000 observant Jews lived in Spain, until, in 1492, they were forced to convert to Catholicism or leave the territory, coincidentally, the same year Columbus arrived in America.
Made by the professor of Legal Medicine at the University of Granada, José Antonio Lorente, and the historian Marcial Castro, the study began in 2003. At the time they discovered what were believed to be the remains of Columbus, located in the Seville Cathedral. . The research also used DNA samples from the grave, as well as the bones of Hernando, Columbus’ son, and Diego, his brother.
The results of the research were released on Saturday (12/10), in the documentary Columbus DNA: Its True Origin. The program was broadcast on the Spanish national broadcaster RTVE.
Several countries have been arguing for years about the origins of Cristovão. According to the BBC, there are an estimated 25 theories as to the nationality of the navigator. Countries mentioned include: Poland, Great Britain, Greece, Portugal, Hungary and Scandinavia. Announcing the results, Professor Lorente said they were “almost reliable”.
*With information from the BBC
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