This was because DNA technology at the time was neither accurate nor reliable and required a significant amount of genetic material. Jose 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. He said researchers are working with 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. Granada University 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. Columbus died on May 20 1506 and was buried in the Spanish city of Valladolid, though he had asked to be buried in the Americas.

Source: Irish Independent May 19, 2021 11:54 UTC