Queen Isabella I

Queen Isabella I of Castile was a powerful 15th-century monarch who unified Spain by marrying Ferdinand of Aragon, creating the foundation for modern Spain. She is best known for sponsoring Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage, which led to the European exploration of the Americas. Isabella strengthened the Spanish monarchy, promoted religious unity through the Spanish Inquisition, and supported cultural and educational developments. Her reign marked a significant period of political consolidation and expansion, shaping Spain’s future as a major European empire.