Study Finds Christopher Columbus Was a Sephardic Jew

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Facts

  • Spanish scientists have concluded a 22-year probe into Christopher Columbus' origins, using DNA analysis, and determined he was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe.[1][2]
  • The researchers also confirmed that the explorer's remains are interred in Seville Cathedral in Spain, settling a long-standing debate about their authenticity.[3]
  • They tested samples from the remains of Columbus — who died in Valladolid, Spain, in 1506 — and compared them with DNA from his son Hernando.[4]
  • The research team found traits compatible with Jewish origin 'both in the Y [male] chromosome and in the mitochondrial DNA [from the mother] of Hernando.'[5][4]
  • The findings were announced in a documentary titled 'Columbus DNA: The true origin,' on Spain's RTVE on Oct. 12, a national holiday marking Columbus’ arrival in the Americas.[6][7]
  • For centuries, it has been suggested that Columbus could have been Genoese, Basque, Catalan, Galician, Greek, Portuguese, or even Scottish. After his death, his remains were first moved to the islands of Hispaniola and Cuba, before being brought to Seville in 1898.[8]

Sources: [1]CNN, [2]NBC, [3]FOX News, [4]New York Post, [5]The Telegraph, [6]BBC News, [7]Archive and [8]Guardian.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by CNN and NBC. This groundbreaking discovery sheds new light on Columbus' background, and potentially explains his motivations for exploration. The Jewish connection could have influenced his worldview and decision-making during his voyages. It's a game-changer for historical understanding.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Guardian and New York Post. The DNA analysis, while intriguing, doesn't definitively prove Columbus' Jewish heritage or birthplace. Multiple theories about his origins still exist, and more research is needed to conclusively determine his background. The findings may be overstated and should be treated with caution.

Predictions