A groundbreaking DNA study challenges the long-held belief that Christopher Columbus was Italian, suggesting he was actually from Valencia, Spain, and of Jewish descent, potentially masking his identity due to religious persecution.
New Study Reveals Columbus Likely of Spanish-Jewish Descent
New Study Reveals Columbus Likely of Spanish-Jewish Descent
Genetic research suggests the iconic explorer hid his Jewish heritage to avoid persecution.
In a stunning revelation that could reshape our understanding of history, a team of Spanish scientists have unveiled the likely origins of Christopher Columbus, the renowned explorer whose 1492 voyage to the Americas marked a pivotal moment in history.
Based on two decades of meticulous research, genetic analysis indicates that Columbus was probably Spanish and of Jewish origin, possibly born in Valencia. Historically, Columbus was believed to be an Italian from Genoa, but the study now suggests he may have concealed his Jewish identity or converted to Catholicism to avoid religious oppression.
The research team, led by José Antonio Lorente of Granada University, unearthed and examined remains thought to be Columbus' from Seville Cathedral, as well as DNA samples from his son Hernando and brother Diego. Their findings hint at the explorer’s hidden Jewish background, aligning with historical context when Jews in Spain faced intense persecution and were forced to convert or flee.
This discovery adds intrigue to the already complex narrative surrounding Columbus, who set out under Spain's Catholic Monarchs to find a western route to Asia but instead encountered the Caribbean. His journey initiated a wave of European exploration and colonization, which led to vast demographic and cultural changes, often at the catastrophic expense of indigenous populations.
Often claimed by various nations, Columbus' origin has been the subject of numerous theories, including assertions from countries like Poland and Greece. With the study's nearly conclusive results, presented in the RTVE documentary "Columbus DNA: His True Origin," the debate over Columbus' homeland might finally reach a resolution.
As Spain observes its National Day—coinciding with Columbus' historic landing—the revelation has ignited fresh interest in how his personal history intertwines with broader historical narratives.
Based on two decades of meticulous research, genetic analysis indicates that Columbus was probably Spanish and of Jewish origin, possibly born in Valencia. Historically, Columbus was believed to be an Italian from Genoa, but the study now suggests he may have concealed his Jewish identity or converted to Catholicism to avoid religious oppression.
The research team, led by José Antonio Lorente of Granada University, unearthed and examined remains thought to be Columbus' from Seville Cathedral, as well as DNA samples from his son Hernando and brother Diego. Their findings hint at the explorer’s hidden Jewish background, aligning with historical context when Jews in Spain faced intense persecution and were forced to convert or flee.
This discovery adds intrigue to the already complex narrative surrounding Columbus, who set out under Spain's Catholic Monarchs to find a western route to Asia but instead encountered the Caribbean. His journey initiated a wave of European exploration and colonization, which led to vast demographic and cultural changes, often at the catastrophic expense of indigenous populations.
Often claimed by various nations, Columbus' origin has been the subject of numerous theories, including assertions from countries like Poland and Greece. With the study's nearly conclusive results, presented in the RTVE documentary "Columbus DNA: His True Origin," the debate over Columbus' homeland might finally reach a resolution.
As Spain observes its National Day—coinciding with Columbus' historic landing—the revelation has ignited fresh interest in how his personal history intertwines with broader historical narratives.
