DNA has solved the mystery of Christopher Columbus: his burial site is now known, and questions about his true nationality have been answered (video).
Scientists have long confirmed that Christopher Columbus was not the first to arrive in America. Meanwhile, researchers have unraveled several mysteries surrounding the figure of the explorer.
Researchers have verified that the remains of Christopher Columbus in Spain are genuine. DNA tests have confirmed that the remains buried in Seville Cathedral indeed belong to Christopher Columbus.
The debate over the exact location of Columbus's final resting place has been highly contentious. For decades, Spain and the Dominican Republic have argued over this right.
The DNA test confirmed a match between the remains in Spain and samples from Columbus's brother and son; however, it is still too early to draw a definitive conclusion. Some of Christopher Columbus's remains may have indeed been transported to the Dominican Republic. Researchers are calling for testing of the bones located in the Dominican Republic to definitively resolve this issue.
However, Columbus's burial site is not the only mystery that DNA has helped unravel. Spanish scientists determined that Christopher Columbus had Jewish ancestry. He was likely born in Western Europe, in the city of Valencia. Columbus may have concealed his Jewish heritage and converted to Catholicism to avoid religious persecution.
This DNA analysis indicates that the prevailing theory of Christopher Columbus's Italian origin is not substantiated. In total, there are over 20 conflicting theories regarding his birthplace. Other locations mentioned include Poland, the United Kingdom, Greece, Portugal, Hungary, and Scandinavia.
Scientists have spent over 20 years on this research. The results were reported in the television documentary "DNA of Columbus: His True Origin."
Earlier, "Telegraf" reported on the discovery of a unique ancient amphora with a craftsman's stamp in Ukraine. This rare artifact was found in Poltava region.