Mumbai, October 15: What if the man credited with opening the Americas to European exploration was not who history taught us to believe? A groundbreaking investigation suggests that Christopher Columbus, long thought to be an Italian explorer and navigator, may have actually been a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe. This revelation stems from a 20-year genetic study led by Spanish scientists, who analysed DNA samples from Columbus's remains and those of his son. The findings indicate a possible Jewish ancestry, challenging the long-held narrative surrounding Columbus’s origins.

These significant revelations were highlighted in reports by The Guardian and Reuters and featured in the documentary titled "Columbus DNA: The True Origin," aired on Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE. If true, this could dramatically reshape our understanding of the explorer's identity and the historical context of his voyages. The implications of this research extend beyond mere genealogy, they touch upon the complex history of Jewish communities in Spain, particularly during the era of the Spanish Inquisition. Rosh Hashanah 2024 Dates: Know Significance of Yom Teruah That Marks the Start of Jewish New Year.

Christopher Columbus DNA Analysis

The study, spearheaded by forensic expert Miguel Lorente, involved a meticulous 22-year-long investigation that analysed DNA samples from remains long believed to belong to Columbus, interred in Seville Cathedral. By comparing these samples with DNA from known relatives, including his son Hernando Colon, the researchers identified genetic markers compatible with Jewish ancestry. The study's findings not only cast doubt on the traditional belief that Columbus was Italian but also suggest a more intricate identity that aligns with the Jewish community expelled from Spain during the late 15th century. Sukkot 2024 Start and End Dates: When Is the Feast of Tabernacles? Know Significance and Rituals of the Jewish Festival.

To conduct this groundbreaking research, the team used advanced genetic testing techniques to examine both the Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA. This dual analysis allowed them to trace paternal and maternal lineages, leading to the conclusion that Columbus's roots likely lay in the Spanish Mediterranean region rather than Genoa. As the discourse surrounding Columbus's identity evolves, these findings invite a reexamination of his role in history and the legacy of the Jewish diaspora during a tumultuous period in Spain.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2024 03:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).