February 22, 1498. Christopher Columbus, sitting in Europe, wrote, "The property I have in Genoa, Italy, will be maintained for my family. Because 'I came from here and was born here.'" Most historians believe that all the controversy over Columbus's birth story should end here. Because this is his own confession. However, some have questioned the authenticity of this comment. They believe that not everything that appears may be true. Perhaps there is still a secret hidden behind Columbus's birth story. Recently, a group of scientists have claimed that DNA tests have also found hints of it.
A team led by Antonio Laurent, a scientist and forensic expert at the University of Granada in Spain, recently claimed that Columbus, the "discoverer" of America, was not of Italian descent at all. Rather, he was born in Spain, to a Jewish family. Laurent claims that they have reached this result after decades of research.
Scientists presented new research findings about Columbus through a special program on Spanish television. They claim that they have collected DNA samples from the remains of Columbus' sons Diego and Ferdinand. Analysis of the Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA has shown that it is more compatible with Sephardic Jews. The Jews of Portugal and Spain are known as Sephardic. Laurentia claims that Columbus' DNA is linked to the Spanish.
Even if Laurentia's claim is true, the name of Genoa, Italy, as the birthplace of Columbus cannot be completely ruled out. The name of any other city in Europe cannot be specified either. Because at a certain time in the fifteenth century, there was a commotion to expel Jews from Spain. Many Jewish families took refuge in Italy at that time. However, that happened much after Columbus was born. Historians have questioned how a Sephardic Jew could have been born in Genoa in the 1450s.
The main complaint of those who doubt Laurent and his team's research is that Laurent did not provide any evidence to support his statements on the television program. The DNA test report has not been published. There is no explanation of how they analyzed any DNA to reach this conclusion. Therefore, many are reluctant to accept its authenticity.
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