The famous explorer Christopher Columbus probably had Spanish and Jewish ancestry, according to the findings of recent research, which aimed to shed light on a centuries-old mystery.

Scientists believe that the explorer, whose journey across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492 changed the course of world history, was probably born in Western Europe, specifically in the city Valencia.

They think he hid his Jewish identity or converted to Catholicism to escape religious persecution.

Many countries claimed the origin of Columbus

The DNA study contradicts the traditional theory, which many historians have disputed, that the explorer was Italian from Genoa.

Columbus led an expedition supported by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain and sought to find a new route to Asia, but instead arrived at Caribbean.

His arrival there marked the beginning of a period of European contact with the Americas that would lead to conquest and settlement—and the death of many millions of natives in disease and warfare.

Countries have argued for years over the explorer’s origins, with many laying claim to him.

There have been approx 25 conflicting theories for his homeland, including Poland, Great Britain, Greece, Portugal, Hungary and Scandinavia.

These new findings are based on more than two decades of research.

What did the remains of Columbus witness?

The study began in 2003, when José Antonio Llorente, professor of forensics at the University of Granada, and historian Marcial Castro exhumed the remains of Columbus from Seville Cathedral.

Columbus died in the Spanish city of Vallodalid in 1506, but wanted to be buried on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. The his remains were transferred there in 1542but centuries later they were moved to Cuba before finally being buried in Seville.

The researchers also took DNA samples from the tomb and from the bones of Columbus’ son, Hernando, and his brother, Diego.

Since then, scientists have compared this genetic information with that of historical figures and relatives of the explorer in order to try to solve the mystery.

The previously widely accepted theory was that the Columbus was born in Genoa in 1451in a family of wool weavers.

His Secret Second Origin – Why He Kept It Well Hidden

But now they believe he lived in Spain – probably Valencia – and was Jewish. They think he hid his history to avoid prosecution.

About 300,000 Jews they lived in Spain before they were ordered along with the Muslims to either convert to Catholicism or leave the country in 1492, the year Columbus landed in America.

Announcing the results of the study in the television documentary Columbus DNA: His True OriginProfessor Lorente said they were “almost completely reliable”.

The program – which aired on Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE on Saturday night – coincided with Spain’s National Day.

That day celebrates the explorer’s arrival in America.