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Nuevo Reino de Leon DNA Project
In 1579, Philip II granted Luis de Carvajal y de la Cueva the title of governor of the newly formed territory of the Nuevo Reino de Leon (New Kingdom of Lion). He commissioned Carvajal to explore and settle the new territory that included the present-day Mexico states of Coahuila, Chihuahua, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas, as well as parts of Durango, San Luis Potosí, and Zacatecas. The vast territory also included parts of Texas and New Mexico in the present-day United States. In 1580, Governor Carvajal returned to Spain, where he recruited approximately 200 settlers for his newly established territory. Most of the settlers were Anusim conversos, Jews who had been forced to convert to Christianity, or descendants of conversos. B’nai Anusim would continue to play a large part in the settlement of the Nuevo Kingdom of Leon, having a substantial impact on the customs and culture of the norteña (northern) Mexican territory.
Nuevo Reino de Leon Expedition
Painting by Natalio Bayo
B’nai Anusim Institute has partnered with Family Tree DNA for the purpose of the research and study of the settlers of the Nuevo Reino de Leon. The purpose of the project is to better understand the history of the area once known as the Nuevo Reino de Leon and those who settled in the vast territory. The project is open to all who have ancestors who settled in the region that was once known as the Nuevo Reino de Leon. Our goal is not only to accumulate test results of participants, but also to gather family stories and legacies of the project members. By working together through the sharing of information and DNA testing, we hope to better understand those settlers and the tapestry of heritage that formed the people and culture of the Nuevo Reino of Leon.
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