Columbus probably Spanish and Jewish, study says

The researchers also took DNA samples from the tomb, and from the bones of Columbus’ son, Hernando, and brother, Diego.

Since then scientists have compared that genetic information with that of historical figures and the explorer’s relatives in order to try and solve the mystery.

The previously widely accepted theory was that Columbus was born in Genoa in 1451, to a family of wool weavers.

But they now believe he lived in Spain – likely in Valencia – and was Jewish.

Around 300,000 practising Jews lived in Spain, before they along with Muslims were ordered to either convert to Catholicism or leave the country in 1492, the year Columbus landed in the Americas.

Announcing the study’s results on the television documentary Columbus DNA: His True Origin, Professor Lorente said they were “almost absolutely reliable”.

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