Ninth-Century Bishop's Remains Identified in Spain

Recent analysis suggests that remains found in a tomb in northwestern Spain are likely those of Bishop Theodomir, a ninth-century figure believed to have significantly influenced the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The study utilized a combination of bone analysis, carbon dating, stable isotope analysis, and DNA testing, indicating a '98% likelihood' that the bones belong to Theodomir, who is said to have discovered the tomb of St. James the Apostle around 820-830 AD. This discovery prompted King Alfonso II's royal pilgrimage from Oviedo to Santiago, establishing the Primitive Way, the oldest pilgrimage route. Theodemir's existence had been debated until the 1955 discovery of a tombstone inscribed with his name. Previous assessments of the bones suggested they belonged to a woman, but the latest study, led by Dr. Patxi Pérez-Ramallo, re-evaluated the findings and aligned them with the characteristics of high clergy. The research highlights the historical significance of Theodomir in shaping Christian pilgrimage traditions.