The DNA of the remains in the Seville Cathedral confirms that they belong to Christopher Columbus (Reuters)
A scientific investigation through advanced DNA analysis techniques ensures that the bone remains buried in the Cathedral of Seville actually belong to Christopher Columbus, as confirmed to Reuters by Professor Miguel Lorente, in charge of the work. This study, which began more than twenty years ago, has made it possible to verify what until now was only a suspicion supported by less conclusive analyzes in the past.
José Antonio Lorente, professor of Forensic Medicine at the University of Granada and also involved in the project, stressed to El Español that the conclusion is definitive: “Someone can say that this has already been said… but now, thanks to new technologies , that previous partial conclusion is strengthened.”
The origin of Christopher Columbus has been the subject of speculation for centuries, with multiple theories that challenge the traditional version that places him as a Genoese. While many historians defend his Italian origin, other theories suggest that Columbus could have been of Spanish or Portuguese origin.
The most accepted hypotheses include that he could have been a Galician nobleman or a Portuguese privateer under the name of Pedro Ataíde. A Jewish theory, for its part, suggests that Columbus hid his ancestry to avoid expulsion from Spain during the time of the Inquisition. Regarding these theories, historian Marcial Castro, involved in the investigation, stated: “This is going to definitely change history, it is going to be something revolutionary.”
Historian Marcial Castro predicts a revolutionary change in the historical perception of Columbus – (Illustrative Image Infobae)
The findings of the investigation will be revealed in the documentary titled Columbus DNA: The True Origin, which will air on October 12. The documentary promises to shed light on the deepest unknowns surrounding the navigator. In addition, it is expected that the complete scientific results will be presented in November at an event at the University of Granada.
In this sense, Lorente explained that they are still analyzing “very important recent data that, without affecting the content of the film, does have scientific significance for experts and historians.” The results will be published in an international scientific journal to guarantee their accessibility and serve as a basis for future research.
The final resting place of Christopher Columbus has been debated for centuries. Although scientists confirmed that the remains found in the Seville Cathedral belong to the navigator, there is a persistent controversy with the Dominican Republic, which also claims to possess part of his remains.
The controversy over the remains of Columbus could continue due to the lack of DNA analysis on the Dominican bones – (Illustrative Image Infobae)
In 1877, a lead coffin was discovered behind the altar of the Cathedral of Santo Domingo containing bone fragments that Dominican authorities believe belong to Columbus. In this regard, Miguel Lorente mentioned that it is possible that both statements are true, since “both sets of bones were incomplete.” This theory suggests that Columbus’ remains could be divided between Seville and Santo Domingo.
In addition, researchers have not had access to the Dominican remains for DNA analysis, which further complicates the definitive resolution of the enigma. Therefore, the controversy over where Columbus is buried could remain open.
Despite hopes that this research will finally clarify the true origin of Christopher Columbus, not all experts are convinced it will end the debate. Eduardo Esteban, president of the Colón Gallego Association, expressed his skepticism, stating that “after the documentary there will continue to be debate, which is like religion.” According to Esteban, the scientific analysis is just “one more piece of evidence,” but it is still limited because it is based on the analysis of the patrilineal line. Other defenders of alternative theories, such as the one that places him as a Galician nobleman or even as the Galician navigator Pedro Madruga, also showed reservations about the impact of the documentary on the definitive resolution of the mystery.
On the other hand, Cristóbal Colón de Carvajal y Gorosábel, Duke of Veragua and direct descendant of the navigator, told El Español that the results of the research do not surprise him: “I have worked my ancestor’s life for a long time… and I have not It’s a surprise.” Despite the conclusions presented in the documentary, it seems that the debate over the true identity and origin of Christopher Columbus could continue for years to come.
