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.
Fathers side is all from Sicily, never once did I hear any of them say a word about Columbus, probably couldn’t tell you what part of the year it was in.