After years of debate about the origins of Christopher Columbus, Spanish researchers have concluded that the famous explorer was most likely a Sephardic Jew from Spain. This is the result of a long-term investigation aimed at solving the centuries-old mystery surrounding Columbus’ birthplace. Sephardic Jews are descendants of Jews originally from Spain and Portugal. In Hebrew, Spain is often referred to as ‘Sefarad.’

The findings were announced during a documentary on Spanish television, coinciding with Spain’s national holiday Día de La Hispanidad, or Columbus Day. This revelation followed much anticipation, as many expected the final answer to the question of Columbus’ origins to be given at last.

Columbus’ heritage has long been a subject of debate. A total of 25 countries have been suggested as his possible birthplace, with the widely accepted theory that he came from Genoa, Italy. There is also debate about his final resting place: while most historians believe he is buried in the Cathedral of Seville, the Dominican Republic claims that his tomb is in Santo Domingo.

DNA Research Confirms Heritage

To solve the mystery, researchers began examining the bones exhumed in Seville in 2003. Although the amount of DNA extracted from the bones was limited, it was sufficient for further analysis. Earlier this week, scientists confirmed that the bones did indeed belong to Columbus, though this does not rule out the possibility that remains may also be in Santo Domingo, as the Dominican Republic did not cooperate with the investigation.

In addition, scientists examined the DNA of Columbus’ son Ferdinand and studied the family trees of about a hundred people with the surname Columbus. This research, according to forensic expert Miguel Lorente, ultimately provided definitive evidence regarding the explorer’s origins.

Jewish Ancestry and Spanish Roots

The DNA analysis showed that both paternal and maternal characteristics pointed to Jewish ancestry. Lorente stated that the only demonstrable birthplace in Western Europe must be located there. A Catalan researcher added that Genoa is unlikely to be Columbus’ birthplace, as Jews were expelled from that city in the 12th century. Sicily was also considered, but Columbus’ correspondence contained no Sicilian language patterns.

The study concluded that Spain is the most likely birthplace of Columbus, partly because Jews in Spain at the time were forced to convert to Catholicism. These findings finally offer a possible conclusive answer to a question that has occupied historians for centuries.