A genetic study of the Spanish people conducted by Leicester University (UK) and Pompeu Fabra University (Spain) has found that more than 30% have either Jewish or Muslim ancestors. The study was published in the American journal of human genetics.

After the Spanish reconquista at the end of the 15th century many Jews and Muslims were forced to leave Spain, as the previously multi-faith society was transformed into the strongly Catholic one of today. Others converted to Christianity but until now it was not certain how widespread these conversions were.

Visitors to Andalucia and many other places in Spain can see Spain’s cosmopolitan past reflected in the architecture. It seems this past is also reflected in its people.

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About the author

Lucy is English and first ventured out of the UK she was 19. Since then she has lived in 4 different countries and tried to see as much of the world as possible. She loves learning languages, learning about different cultures and hearing different points of view.