Famed explorer Christopher Columbus was likely Spanish and Jewish, according to a new genetic study conducted by Spanish scientists that aimed to shed light on a centuries-old mystery.
Scientists believe the explorer, whose expedition across the Atlantic in 1492 changed the course of world history, was probably born in western Europe, possibly in the city of Valencia.
They think he concealed his Jewish identity, or converted to Catholicism, to escape religious persecution.
The study of DNA contradicts the traditional theory, which many historians had questioned, that the explorer was an Italian from Genoa.
Don’t know who downvoted you, you’re absolutely right. Just as an anecdotal example, my grandmother was an extremely intelligent and progressive Italian-American woman, but Columbus was the one thing she would never budge on. It goes back to a time when Catholics had to constantly defend their loyalty to America. I’d imagine St Patrick’s day was a similar thing. It was these immigrants’ single point of pride that other Americans would respect and understand.