The geographic origin of Christopher Columbus has been a long held debate – some are sure the explorer was born in Italy, while others suggest Spain or even Poland. A break in the case came in 2003 when DNA results showed bones buried in the cathedral of Seville were those of Columbus who died in 1506. Researchers will spend the next six months analyzing four small bone fragments from Columbus, seven bone fragments and a tooth from his son Hernando, and a dozen bone fragments in poor condition from his brother Diego. José Antonio Lorente, a professor of forensic medicine at Granada University, said there had been a 'radical' improvement in DNA analysis, which now permits tests on very small fragments. Granada University on Wednesday was hosting what it called the first world meeting of Columbus researchers, who are presenting evidence for their different theories about the explorer's origins.

Source: Daily Mail May 19, 2021 15:19 UTC