Cracking a 500-Year-Old Mystery: DNA Confirms Christopher Columbus’ Final Resting Place!

Using advanced DNA analysis, researchers have conclusively matched the remains to those of Columbus’ son, Hernando, and his brother, Diego, both of whom are also interred in the cathedral. This groundbreaking discovery has finally put to rest centuries of doubt regarding whether the bones in Seville truly belonged to Columbus. After his death in 1506, his remains were moved multiple times, leading to much uncertainty.

Following his death in Valladolid, Spain, Columbus’ remains were initially transferred to the island of Hispaniola (modern-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic) in 1542, as per his wishes. In 1795, after Spain lost control of Hispaniola, the remains were moved to Cuba, and later in 1898, they were brought back to Seville after Spain’s defeat in the Spanish-American War. The constant relocation of his remains, coupled with claims that another set of bones found in the Dominican Republic might also belong to Columbus, fuelled ongoing doubts about the authenticity of the remains in Seville.

Photo Credit: José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro

How DNA Finally Solved the Mystery

Led by forensic scientist José Antonio Lorente from the University of Granada, a team of experts conducted this lengthy investigation, spanning over 20 years. Lorente declared the findings with “absolute reliability,” crediting recent advancements in DNA technology for allowing them to reach a conclusive result. The team collaborated with laboratories in Spain, the United States, Mexico, and Italy, all of which independently confirmed the DNA matches without prior communication.

While the identity of the remains has now been verified, questions regarding Columbus’ origins remain unresolved. It is widely believed that Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, but alternative theories suggest he may have been born in Spain, Portugal, France, Greece, or even as far afield as Scotland or Norway. Some also speculate that Columbus might have had Jewish ancestry. Lorente’s team is now investigating this mystery using DNA analysis in hopes of shedding more light on Columbus’ true origins.

Photo Credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Columbus' Controversial Legacy

Though the mystery of Columbus’ remains has been solved, his legacy remains a subject of intense debate. Columbus is celebrated for opening the Americas to European exploration and colonisation. However, his voyages also had devastating consequences for indigenous populations, including enslavement and mass death. In recent years, his legacy has come under scrutiny, leading to protests and the removal of Columbus statues in several countries.

While historians and activists continue to debate Columbus’ impact on the world, the scientific community can now confirm that the remains in Seville indeed belong to one of history’s most famous explorers. This resolution brings closure to a mystery that has puzzled scholars and historians for centuries.