By William J. Furney
A groundbreaking documentary aired by Spanish broadcaster RTVE has revealed that Christopher Columbus, the famed 15th-century explorer long thought to be from Italy, was actually a Spanish Jew. The new findings come from the DNA analysis of remains buried in Seville Cathedral, shedding light on the centuries-old debate about Columbus’s true origins.
The documentary, titled Columbus DNA: His True Origin, was broadcast on Saturday to coincide with Spain’s national day, which commemorates Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. Led by forensic expert Miguel Lorente, the research team conducted a meticulous analysis of tiny bone fragments thought to belong to Columbus, comparing them with DNA from his known relatives and descendants. The results confirm that the remains interred in Seville Cathedral do indeed belong to Columbus, settling disputes about his final resting place.
Lorente, speaking about the research last week, noted that previous evidence linking Columbus’s remains to Seville had been largely circumstantial, but new advancements in DNA technology allowed the team to definitively confirm the connection. “Today, it has been possible to verify it with new technologies, so that the previous partial theory that the remains of Seville belong to Christopher Columbus has been definitively confirmed,” he said.
The question of Columbus’s origins has been a matter of international debate for centuries. While the dominant narrative maintained that Columbus was from Genoa in northwest Italy, other theories proposed he could have been Portuguese, Basque or even Greek. But one of the more persistent theories held that Columbus was of Jewish heritage, a suggestion now supported by the latest scientific findings.
Columbus, a divisive historical figure, is often remembered for his voyages sponsored by Spain that led to the European colonisation of the Americas. These expeditions, beginning in 1492, are credited with opening up the New World to Europe, marking the start of a new era of exploration and conquest. Columbus’ legacy is controversial, as his journeys also led to the exploitation, enslavement and suffering of the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Columbus died in 1506 in Valladolid, Spain, at the age of 55. Although he had requested to be buried on the island of Hispaniola, his remains were moved multiple times, with the final transfer believed to have occurred in 1898, when they were taken to Seville. In 1877, workers in the Dominican Republic discovered a lead casket behind an altar in a Santo Domingo cathedral, which contained bone fragments that the country claims also belong to Columbus. Lorente suggested that both claims may be true, as both sets of remains are incomplete.
The revelation of Columbus’s Jewish origins adds new depth to the story of a man whose journeys reshaped the world. The context of 15th-century Spain, a period marked by the Spanish Inquisition and the persecution of Jews, makes this discovery especially significant. It raises questions about how Columbus’s heritage might have influenced his ambitions and the drive behind his voyages, as well as the risks he took in seeking the sponsorship of the Spanish monarchy at a time when Jews faced widespread persecution.
While Columbus is often celebrated as a daring navigator who opened the door to European exploration of the Americas, the consequences of his expeditions were severe for the native populations he encountered. The introduction of European diseases, forced labor and violent conquests led to the decimation of indigenous communities. Columbus’ legacy is therefore one of both exploration and exploitation, making him a figure of ongoing debate and re-evaluation.
The documentary’s findings may not only change the way historians understand Columbus as a person but also add nuance to discussions about his controversial legacy. Understanding that Columbus was a Spanish Jew helps paint a fuller picture of his motivations, his struggles and his identity during an era of deep religious and cultural upheaval. In doing so, it challenges long-held narratives and invites a more comprehensive view of one of history’s most famous– and contentious — explorers.
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