Researchers from the University of Granada have confirmed that the bones buried in Seville’s Cathedral are indeed those of Christopher Columbus. Led by forensic expert José Antonio Lorente, the investigation has resolved a longstanding debate about the remains of the famous explorer.
The findings will be revealed in the documentary Colón ADN. Su verdadero origen, set to air on TVE on October 12, Spain’s National Day.
New technology provides conclusive evidence
Lorente explained that previous studies conducted in the early 2000s suggested a possible link, but the DNA evidence was inconclusive. Now, thanks to new technology, the team has definitively proven that the remains in Seville belong to Columbus. “The genetic data is practically absolute,” Lorente said, adding that the results have been verified by multiple labs.
The ongoing mystery of Columbus’ origins
While the documentary solves the question of Columbus’ remains, it also addresses another mystery: his true birthplace. Theories range from Genoa to places as diverse as Portugal, Catalonia, and even Norway. The research team has also analysed DNA from Columbus’ son and brother to uncover the navigator’s origins, a question that has puzzled historians for centuries.
Columbus’ final journey
After his death in Valladolid in 1506, Columbus’ remains were moved multiple times—to Seville, the Dominican Republic, Havana, and back to Seville. However, part of the mystery remains, as some believe portions of his bones may still be in the Dominican Republic. Lorente acknowledged that “not all the remains are in Seville, nor in the Dominican Republic.
Also read: Was Columbus really the first European to set foot on American soil?