Columbus was Spanish claim Spanish scientists

-

Image created by Chat GPT

Columbus likely Spanish and Jewish, study suggests

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.

Columbus led an expedition backed by Spain's Catholic Monarchs seeking to establish a new route to Asia - but instead he reached the Caribbean.

His arrival there was the beginning of a period of European contact with the Americas, which would lead to conquest and settlement - and the deaths of many millions of indigenous people to diseases and war.

Countries have argued for years over the explorer's origin, with many claiming him as one of their own.

There have been an estimated 25 conflicting theories of his birthplace, including Poland, Great Britain, Greece, Portugal, Hungary and Scandinavia.

These new findings are based on more than two decades of research.

The study began in 2003, when José Antonio Lorente, professor of forensic medicine at Granada University, and the historian Marcial Castro, exhumed what were believed to be the remains of Columbus from Seville Cathedral.

Columbus died in the Spanish city of Vallodalid in 1506 but wished to be buried on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. His remains were taken there in 1542 but centuries later were transferred to Cuba before being finally laid to rest in Seville.

The researchers also took DNA samples from the tomb, and from the bones of Columbus' son, Hernando, and brother, Diego.

Since then scientists have compared that genetic information with that of historical figures and the explorer's relatives in order to try and solve the mystery.

The previously widely accepted theory was that Columbus was born in Genoa in 1451, to a family of wool weavers.

But they now believe he lived in Spain - likely in Valencia - and was Jewish. They think he hid his background to avoid persecution.

Around 300,000 practicing Jews lived in Spain, before they along with Muslims were ordered to either convert to Catholicism or leave the country in 1492, the year Columbus landed in the Americas.

Announcing the study's results on the television documentary Columbus DNA: His True Origin, Professor Lorente said they were "almost absolutely reliable".

The programme - which aired on Spain's national broadcaster RTVE on Saturday night - coincided with Spain's National Day.

The day celebrates the explorer's arrival in the Americas.

Source: BBC News 

Read about a letter from Colombus that was stolen from Italy.

Here are some Colombus- related tweets:


Comments

Sir Joseph said…
Hi Graham,

It is elementary dear Watson. If the scientists who are researching the origin of Columbus are Spanish, I claim that the origin of Columbus must be Spanish. I am sure or almost sure. The reason is because if Spanish researches find evidences Columbus is Spanish, they will say it, but if they don´t find evidences about his Spanish origin they won´t say it.

I think that Columbus was Spanish, bus I don´t mind that Columbus was Polish, Briton, Greek, Portuguese, Hungarian or Scandinavian because the feat of the discovery was of Spain entirely. All countries envy this feat and they invented fake news, like Black Legend, but what was magnificent although the Spanish made several mistakes. “It doesn´t matter if you miss a lot, if you got the main thing right” (Calderón de la Barca, Spanish writer). Everyone makes some mistake. I fell very proud about it, as far as I concerned. I know that Ibero-Americans love us so much, as I could check when I was in Mexico.

Since the big discovery, them and us are like a family. The Spanish prefer that immigrants were Ibero-Americans, it´s obious, not only for the Spanish language, but they are different to the rest of immigrants.

See you.
Sunday, 01 December, 2024
Graham said…
Hello José,

Spanish scientists are right. The world has been fooled into believing that he was born in Genoa in 1451. We were told that his father was an Italian weaver by the name of Domenico Colombo and that he first came to Spain in 1485. How stupid we were! It is ridiculous to suggest that the Vikings got to the Americas long before him and it is absolutely not true that the Spanish committed atrocities in all the lands that they discovered. It is only the English who do that kind of thing and this whole hoax must have been spread by them.

It is elementary, dear Watson. If the scientists researching the origin of Columbus are Spanish, I claim that the origin of Columbus must be Spanish. I am sure, or almost sure. The reason is that if Spanish researchers find evidence that Columbus was Spanish, they will say so. However, if they don’t find evidence supporting his Spanish origin, they won’t mention it.

I think Columbus was Spanish, but I don’t mind if Columbus was Polish, British, Greek, Portuguese, Hungarian, or Scandinavian because the feat of the discovery belongs entirely to Spain. All countries envy this feat and invented fake news, such as the Black Legend. Despite its mistakes, what Spain achieved was magnificent. “It doesn’t matter if you make many mistakes if you get the main thing right” (Calderón de la Barca, Spanish writer). Everyone makes mistakes. I feel very proud of this, as far as I’m concerned. I know that Ibero-Americans love us deeply, as I observed when I was in Mexico.

Since the great discovery, they and we have been like family. Spaniards prefer immigrants from Ibero-America—it’s obvious. Not only because of the shared Spanish language but also because they are different from other immigrants.

Mt. Chat GPT also asked me to pass on the following:

Comments on the Work
Strengths:

The student conveys a clear perspective and shows engagement with the topic.
Good use of cultural references (e.g., Calderón de la Barca) and historical context.
The student effectively ties personal experiences (visit to Mexico) to their viewpoint.

Suggestions for Improvement:

Grammar and Sentence Structure: Some sentences are run-ons or lack proper punctuation. This was adjusted for clarity and flow.
Vocabulary Choice: Terms like "evidences" and "obious" were corrected to "evidence" and "obvious." Avoiding overly informal expressions (e.g., "I fell very proud about it") helps refine academic tone.
Cultural Sensitivity: The statement about immigrants could be worded more inclusively to avoid potential misinterpretation. Encourage the student to frame opinions respectfully when discussing sensitive topics.

Overall Impression:

The student has a solid foundation and presents ideas confidently. With a bit more attention to grammar and structure, their writing will improve significantly. Encourage them to continue expressing personal insights while refining their language skills!
Sunday, 01 December, 2024
Post a Comment