The famous explorer Christopher Columbus may have been Spanish and Jewish, according to a new genetic study by Spanish scientists aimed at solving a centuries-old mystery.
Scientists believe that this explorer, whose voyage across the Atlantic in 1492 changed world history, was probably born in western Europe, possibly in the city of Valencia.
They think he hid his Judaism, or converted to Catholicism, to escape religious persecution.
The DNA research contradicts the traditional theory, which many historians doubted, that the explorer was an Italian from Genoa.
Columbus led an expedition supported by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain to establish a new route to Asia – but instead reached the Caribbean.
His arrival there marked the beginning of an era of European contact with the Americas, which would lead to conquest and settlement – and the death of many millions of native people from disease and war.
For years, countries have argued about the origin of this explorer, many saying he is one of them.
There have been approximately 25 conflicting theories of his birthplace, including Poland, Great Britain, Greece, Portugal, Hungary and Scandinavia.
These new findings are based on more than two decades of research.
Research began in 2003, when José Antonio Lorente, professor of forensics at the University of Granada, and historian Marcial Castro, excavated what are believed to be the remains of Columbus in the Seville Cathedral.
Columbus died in the Spanish town of Vallodalid in 1506 but wished to be buried on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. His remains were taken there in 1542 but centuries later were transferred to Cuba before being enshrined in Seville.
The researchers also took DNA samples from the tomb, and from the bones of Columbus’ son, Hernando, and his brother, Diego.
Since then scientists have compared that genetic information with that of historical people and relatives of the explorer to try to solve the mystery.
The previously widely accepted theory was that Columbus was born in Genoa in 1451, to a family of wool weavers.
But now they believe he lived in Spain – probably in Valencia – and was Jewish. They think he hid his background to avoid prosecution.
About 300,000 Jews lived in Spain, before they and the Muslims were ordered to convert to Catholicism or leave the country in 1492, the year Columbus arrived in the Americas.
Announcing the results of the research in the television documentary Columbus DNA: His True Origin, Professor Lorente said it was “almost completely reliable”.
The show – broadcast on Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE on Saturday night – coincided with Spain’s National Day.
The day celebrates the explorer’s arrival in the Americas.
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