Kingdom of Aragon

The Kingdom of Aragon, established in the early Middle Ages, played a crucial role in the Reconquista, a centuries-long effort by Christian kingdoms to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule. Starting in the 8th century, Aragon gradually expanded its territory through military campaigns and alliances. By the late 15th century, it had united with the Kingdom of Castile, significantly influencing the region's politics, culture, and trade. The marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile marked the end of Islamic rule in Spain, completing the Reconquista in 1492 and paving the way for the Spanish Empire.