Columbus probably Spanish and Jewish, study says

A recent genetic study has revealed that Christopher Columbus, the renowned explorer who made his famous journey to the Americas in 1492, was likely of Spanish and Jewish descent. This research, conducted by Spanish scientists, aims to clarify a long-standing mystery about Columbus's origins. Traditionally, many historians believed that Columbus was Italian, specifically from the city of Genoa. However, this new evidence suggests that he may have been born in western Europe, possibly in Valencia, Spain. The researchers propose that Columbus may have concealed his Jewish heritage or converted to Catholicism to escape the religious persecution that many Jews faced during that time. This finding is significant as it challenges the conventional narrative surrounding Columbus's identity and adds a new layer to our understanding of his life. Columbus's expedition across the Atlantic was a pivotal moment in world history, marking the beginning of European exploration and contact with the Americas. This period led to significant changes, including the conquest and settlement of the region, which resulted in the tragic deaths of millions of indigenous people due to diseases and warfare. For many years, there has been considerable debate regarding Columbus's true origins, with various countries claiming him as their own. Over the years, historians have proposed around 25 different theories about where Columbus was born, including locations such as Poland, Great Britain, Greece, Portugal, Hungary, and Scandinavia. The new findings from this study are based on over two decades of research. The investigation began in 2003 when José Antonio Lorente, a professor of forensic medicine at Granada University, and historian Marcial Castro exhumed what were believed to be Columbus's remains from Seville Cathedral. Columbus passed away in Valladolid, Spain, in 1506, but he expressed a desire to be buried on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. His remains were initially taken there in 1542, but they were later moved to Cuba before finally being interred in Seville. The researchers collected DNA samples from the tomb and from the bones of Columbus's son, Hernando, and his brother, Diego. They then compared this genetic information with that of historical figures and Columbus's relatives to unravel the mystery of his origins. The previously accepted theory posited that Columbus was born in Genoa in 1451 to a family of wool weavers. However, the new evidence suggests that he likely lived in Spain, specifically in Valencia, and that he was of Jewish descent. The researchers believe he may have hidden this aspect of his identity to avoid persecution. Before 1492, around 300,000 practicing Jews resided in Spain, but that year marked a turning point when they, along with Muslims, were ordered to either convert to Catholicism or leave the country. The results of this groundbreaking study were announced during a television documentary titled Columbus DNA: His True Origin, which aired on Spain's national broadcaster RTVE. Professor Lorente stated that the findings were 'almost absolutely reliable. ' The documentary coincided with Spain's National Day, a celebration of Columbus's arrival in the Americas. The DNA samples taken in 2003 from Columbus's remains, known in Spanish as Cristóbal Colón, and his son Hernando, have provided new insights into the explorer's heritage.