A groundbreaking 22-year study by Spanish scientists has confirmed that Christopher Columbus, the legendary explorer known for his voyages across the Atlantic, was actually a Sephardi Jew from Western Europe.
Utilizing advanced DNA analysis, the research has finally solved the long-standing mystery regarding the origins of the man behind the Spanish-funded expeditions that began in 1490, paving the way for the European exploration of the Americas.
Columbus's lineage and final resting place have sparked heated debates among historians for centuries. While the traditional story claims he was born in Genoa, Italy, alternative theories have proposed a variety of ancestral backgrounds, including Greek, Basque, Portuguese, or British roots. To clarify this historical conundrum, a team led by forensic expert Miguel Lorente analyzed microscopic samples from remains buried in Seville Cathedral, which has long been considered Columbus's final resting site amid competing claims. These samples were compared to DNA from known relatives and descendants, with the findings presented in a documentary aired on Spain's national broadcaster, TVE.
"We have obtained Christopher Columbus's DNA, although it is fragmentary, it's adequate for our research," Lorente stated. "The DNA of Hernando Colón, his son, also reveals characteristics linked to Jewish ancestry."
Before the Catholic Monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand issued a decree forcing Jews to convert or leave Spain, around 300,000 Jews resided in the country, many of whom dispersed worldwide.
After evaluating 25 potential birthplaces, Lorente determined that Columbus was indeed born in Western Europe. "The investigation was intricate due to a wealth of data, but we are confident that our results are nearly foolproof," he concluded.
