**Scientists Confirm Identity and Origins of Christopher Columbus' Remains**

In a significant breakthrough, Spanish scientists have reportedly resolved two longstanding mysteries tied to Christopher Columbus. First, they have confirmed that the famed navigator's remains indeed rest in Seville Cathedral's impressive tomb. Additionally, they have addressed the ongoing debate regarding Columbus' true origins.

The question of whether Columbus' remains in Seville were authentic has been complicated by his body's numerous relocations after death. Dying in Valladolid, Spain, in 1506, Columbus requested to be buried on the island of Hispaniola. His remains were transported there in 1542, moved to Cuba in 1795, and finally brought to Seville in 1898 following Spain's loss of control over Cuba.

After two decades of meticulous DNA analysis, forensic medical expert José Antonio Lorente has definitively confirmed that the remains in Seville Cathedral are those of Columbus. This conclusion was drawn by comparing DNA samples from the tomb with those from Columbus' brother, Diego, and his son, Fernando. "New technology has allowed us to irrefutably confirm that the remains in Seville belong to Christopher Columbus," announced Lorente, who led the study at the University of Granada.

The second puzzle concerning Columbus' precise origins will be addressed in a special TV programme titled "Columbus DNA: His True Origin," airing on Saturday, 12 October. While various theories have suggested that Columbus could hail from Italy, Sweden, Norway, Portugal, France, Greece, Scotland, or multiple Spanish regions, the programme promises to reveal conclusive evidence. Spain's state broadcaster, RTVE, emphasized the significance of this discovery, stating, "Twenty-five possible origins and eight finalists but there can be only one."

Although Lorente remained reserved about the investigation's findings, he hinted at groundbreaking results that could reshape historical understanding. Previously, in 2021, Lorente expressed his belief in Columbus' Genoese origins, asserting, "There is no doubt on our part about his Italian origin, but we can provide objective data that can close a series of existing theories."

Interestingly, parts of Columbus' remains might still reside in the Caribbean. An 1877 excavation of Santo Domingo Cathedral in the Dominican Republic unearthed bone fragments labeled as Christopher Columbus's, now interred at the Faro a Colón monument in Santo Domingo Este. Lorente acknowledged that given the incompleteness of both sets of remains, it is conceivable they could both belong to the famed explorer.

While the scientific community awaits the full revelations of Columbus' origins, the controversies surrounding his legacy persist. This enduring fascination is underscored by recent events, such as the 2019 incident in Richmond, Virginia, where a statue of Columbus was toppled amid growing critiques of his historical impact.

In solving these enduring mysteries, Lorente and his team's research promises to enrich our understanding of one of history's most influential figures, even as debates over his legacy continue to unfold.