Spanish scientists are preparing to announce the long-awaited results of a DNA analysis that could finally settle the centuries-old debate over the true nationality of 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus. The findings, which will be revealed in a documentary titled Columbus DNA: The True Origin on Spain’s national broadcaster TVE, aim to shed light on the origins of the figure who paved the way for European colonization of the Americas.
Columbus, who led Spanish-sponsored voyages from the 1490s, has been the subject of much historical speculation regarding his birthplace. While the traditional theory identifies him as hailing from Genoa, Italy, other possibilities have been proposed over the years, including that he was Spanish Jewish, Basque, Portuguese, or even Greek.
To resolve the mystery, a research team led by forensic expert Miguel Lorente analyzed DNA from remains believed to belong to Columbus, buried in Seville Cathedral. These remains have long been a point of contention, as rival claims have suggested that Columbus’ bones may actually rest in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. Nevertheless, Spanish authorities have maintained that Seville is his final resting place.
By comparing DNA from the remains with that of known relatives and descendants of Columbus, the research team was able to verify key details. While Lorente did not disclose the conclusions ahead of the documentary’s airing, he confirmed that the remains in Seville definitively belong to Columbus, putting to rest previous doubts. “Today, it has been possible to verify with new technologies that the remains in Seville belong to Christopher Columbus,” Lorente said.
Columbus passed away in 1506 in Valladolid, Spain, but had expressed a desire to be buried on the island of Hispaniola, now divided between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. His remains were relocated to Hispaniola in 1542, moved again to Cuba in 1795, and finally believed to have been transferred to Seville in 1898. However, in 1877, workers in Santo Domingo discovered a lead casket containing bone fragments that the Dominican Republic has long claimed are those of Columbus.
The findings from this groundbreaking DNA research are expected to bring clarity to the complex history surrounding Columbus’ final resting place and provide fresh insights into his origins. As the world awaits the results, the conclusions could reshape the historical understanding of one of the most debated figures in history.
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