“Isabella of Castile (1451–1504)”

In the late 15th century, Isabella of Castile (1451–1504) rose from princess to one of the most influential rulers of Europe. Her marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon united two powerful kingdoms, laying the foundation for modern Spain. Unlike many queens consort, Isabella was no passive figure—she ruled as an equal, sharing power in what was famously called the “joint monarchy.”
Her reign was marked by bold decisions. In 1492, she and Ferdinand completed the Reconquista, capturing Granada and ending 700 years of Muslim rule in Iberia. The same year, she agreed to fund Christopher Columbus’s daring voyage, opening Europe to the New World and sparking an age of exploration that would shape global history.
Yet Isabella’s legacy is complex. Her devotion to Catholicism fueled the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition, a dark chapter of persecution that scarred generations. Still, her influence on politics, religion, and exploration made her one of the most consequential women of the medieval world.
Isabella died in 1504, but her vision of a unified and powerful Spain endured, making her one of history’s most remarkable queens.

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