A new study analysing remains belonging to direct descendants of explorer Christopher Columbus reveals he might not have been Italian.
Christopher ColumbusBut now, thanks to the scientific discovery, it’s being suggested that Columbus might not have been from Italy at all and was in factAnd it doesn’t end there, because further analysis has suggested he didn’t come from the humble beginnings previously thought, and was actually of noble blood.has suggested that Columbus, who is believed to have been born in 1451, may have descended from the Sotomayors – one of the most influential families in Galicia at the time.
After testing the DNA from 12 people buried in the Counts of Gelves family crypt in Spain, the researchers have pointed to the explorer having ancestral links with Pedro Alvarez de Sotomayor, a powerful 15th-century feudal lord also known as Pedro Madruga. The possible link between Columbus and Madruga was made after two of those exhumed from the crypt were found to share genetic material in spite of having no known historical connection.
, the third Count of Gelves – and a documented descendant of Columbus – and Maria de Castro Giron de Portugal, a Galician noblewoman with ties to the Spanish aristocracy. DNA samples from Spanish nobility pointed to a potential link with Columbus which had been previously undiscovered Experts, who used more than 10,000 genetic markers and a computer model that traced 16 generations of family history, went on to suggest that Pedro Madruga was the most likely shared ancestor.
To further add to their findings, they confirmed that the genetic link to Columbus disappeared when Madruga was removed from the deconstructed family tree. The explorer’s writings are said to contain syntax which is typical of Galician-Portuguese, while a linguistics expert from Georgetown University inhas suggested his main language was Castilian, spoken in northern and central Spain, and that he never wrote anything in the Genoese language of Ligurian.
Theories about Columbus’ origins have continued to fascinate history buffs Others have pointed out that gold rings, which featured on his coat of arms, hinted at links to the Sotomayors. Those who support the theory that Columbus was Galician also argue that the Spanish version of his surname, Colon, is documented in the region’s Pontevedra estuary.
However, the researchers state that the study is not conclusive, in that it has yet to be peer reviewed and did not include a comparison of the DNA samples found with that of Columbus’ own DNA. Some have suggested he was of Polish or even Scottish descent History books suggest Columbus was the son of a wool weaver in Genoa who later served in the Portuguese merchant navy and married a woman from Portugal, who was aristocratic but not as well off as some.
After being refused help by the Portuguese crown to fund a transatlantic voyage, he moved to Spain in 1485, later securing the funding he needed from monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. While he gave his place of birth on his will as Genoa, it’s been noted his contemporaries – especially many of those in Spain – never referred to him as being Italian, while the authenticity of his will was questioned during a legal dispute between his heirs.
Others have suggested he was Portuguese, stating that he wouldn’t have been able to marry an aristocrat from the country if he hadn’t been. First picture of soldier who died falling from horse at Royal Windsor ShowWhether or not the new study provides conclusive proof as to his origins, it looks as if this is one debate that will continue to fascinate history buffs. Josh MiltonAre we about to have the hottest May day since 1944? Mystery Escape
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