A new study shines light on a hotly contested centuries-old mystery.

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.

  • Flying Squid@lemmy.worldMEnglish
    62·
    2 months ago

    I’m sure the media will be able to produce someone they can get to say that this changes everything we ever knew forever.

    • Zaktor@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      4·
      2 months ago

      Now pulling down Columbus statues can be called anti-Semitic. They liked how effective that was for the antiwar protests. When the BLM sequel happens (because nothing was actually done to fix any of the causes), they’ll have a ready message. It’s not about colonization or celebrating oppressive racists, it’s just leftwing youths being anti-Semitic again.