Ferdinand and Isabella

Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile were Spanish monarchs who united their kingdoms through marriage in 1469, strengthening Spain politically and militarily. Their rule, known as the Catholic Monarchs, ended centuries of regional division, leading to the creation of a unified Spain. They sponsored Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage, which opened the Americas to European exploration and colonization. They also worked to strengthen the Catholic Church’s influence, culminating in the Spanish Inquisition. Their reign marked the beginning of Spain’s rise as a major global power, shaping the nation's history, culture, and global presence for centuries to come.