In a 22-year investigation led by forensic expert Miguel Lorente, Spanish scientists used DNA analysis to determine that 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe. The traditional theory that Columbus came from Genoa, Italy had been questioned by many historians, with other theories suggesting he was Spanish, Greek, Basque, Portuguese, or British. By comparing DNA samples from remains buried in Seville Cathedral, identified as Columbus’ final resting place, with those of known relatives and descendants, researchers were able to confirm his Sephardic Jewish origins. Sephardic Jews were expelled from Spain by Catholic monarchs in the late 15th century, forcing many to settle around the world.
Despite previous disputes over Columbus’ origins and burial place, Lorente stated that the outcome of their research was almost absolutely reliable. Columbus died in Spain in 1506, but wished to be buried on the island of Hispaniola, now shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti. His remains were taken there in 1542, then moved to Cuba in 1795 before being believed to have been transferred to Seville in 1898. The documentary titled “Columbus DNA: The true origin” on Spain’s national broadcaster TVE revealed the findings of the research, concluding that Columbus was indeed a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe.
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