Spanish Scientists to Shed Light on Mystery of Columbus Origins, Burial

A view of the statue of Christopher Columbus at the square that bears his name, Plaza de Colon, in Madrid on Oct. 10, 2024. Juan Medina/Reuters

MADRID—Spanish scientists said they will reveal details of the nationality of 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus on Saturday, after using DNA analysis to tackle a centuries-old mystery.

Countries have argued over the origins and the final resting place of the divisive figure who led Spanish-funded expeditions from the 1490s onward, opening the way for the European conquest of the Americas.