Christopher Columbus Day Discovery: DNA Reveals Explorer’s Shocking Sephardic Jewish Origins After Centuries of Mystery!

Christopher Columbus’ Jewish Origins Uncovered by DNA Analysis, Say Spanish Scientists

In a groundbreaking revelation, Spanish scientists have concluded that Christopher Columbus, the 15th-century explorer known for pioneering the European conquest of the Americas, was of Sephardic Jewish origin. This conclusion comes after a 22-year-long DNA investigation that sought to resolve the centuries-old mystery surrounding Columbus’ heritage.

Debate Over Columbus’ Origins

Columbus’ origins have been the subject of historical debate for centuries. While the traditional narrative suggests he was from Genoa, Italy, alternative theories have proposed that he might have been a Spanish Jew, a Greek, Basque, Portuguese, or even British. Several countries have laid claim to Columbus’ legacy, while disputes over his final burial site have further complicated the narrative.

DNA Investigation Sheds New Light

To settle the mystery, a research team led by forensic expert Miguel Lorente conducted a detailed DNA analysis of remains housed in Seville Cathedral, Spain. Though rival claims about the location of Columbus’ final resting place have existed, these remains have long been considered his. The study compared Columbus’ DNA with that of known relatives, including his son Hernando Colón. The results, revealed in a documentary titled “Columbus DNA: The True Origin,” aired on Spain’s national broadcaster TVE.

“We have DNA from Christopher Columbus, very partial, but sufficient. We have DNA from Hernando Colón, his son,” Lorente said. Genetic markers found in Hernando’s Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA were consistent with Sephardic Jewish ancestry, offering compelling evidence of Columbus’ Jewish origins.

A Sephardic Jew in Spain

Before the 1492 expulsion of Jews and Muslims by Catholic monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand, around 300,000 Jews lived in Spain. Known as Sephardic Jews, this group faced forced conversion or exile, leading many to flee and settle around the world. The term “Sephardic” comes from “Sefarad,” the Hebrew word for Spain, linking Columbus to this rich history.

Confirmed Burial in Seville Cathedral

Lorente’s team also confirmed that the remains in Seville Cathedral belong to Columbus. The research was complicated by conflicting historical records and the long journey of Columbus’ remains. After his death in Valladolid, Spain, in 1506, Columbus expressed a desire to be buried on the island of Hispaniola (modern-day Dominican Republic and Haiti). His remains were later moved to Cuba in 1795 and eventually returned to Seville in 1898.

Although some questions remain, Lorente assured that “the outcome is almost reliable,” strengthening the evidence that Columbus’ final resting place is indeed Seville.

This discovery not only reshapes our understanding of Columbus’ heritage but also adds depth to the legacy of a figure whose explorations changed the course of world history.