Ferdinand II of Aragon

Ferdinand II of Aragon was born to John II of Aragon and Juana Enríquez. He was the heir to the Kingdom of Aragon and would later become a key figure in Spanish history.

Ferdinand married Isabella I of Castile, forming a powerful alliance that would eventually unite the crowns of Aragon and Castile, leading to the creation of modern Spain.

Upon the death of his wife's brother, Henry IV of Castile, Ferdinand and Isabella became the joint monarchs of Castile, solidifying their rule over a significant portion of the Iberian Peninsula.

Ferdinand succeeded his father, John II, as King of Aragon, thereby uniting the crowns of Castile and Aragon and laying the foundation for the modern Spanish state.

Ferdinand and Isabella conquered the last Muslim stronghold, the Emirate of Granada, thus completing the Reconquista and unifying Spain under Christian rule.

Ferdinand and Isabella sponsored Christopher Columbus's first voyage, leading to the discovery of the New World and the beginning of Spanish exploration and colonization in the Americas.

Ferdinand and Isabella issued the Alhambra Decree, expelling all Jews who refused to convert to Christianity from Spain, marking a significant turning point in Spanish religious policy.

Ferdinand's wife, Isabella I, died, leaving him to rule Castile as regent for their daughter, Joanna, who was considered unfit to rule.

After the death of his son, John, and the mental instability of his daughter, Joanna, Ferdinand became regent of Castile, effectively ruling the kingdom.

Ferdinand II of Aragon died in Madrigalejo, Castile, leaving behind a unified Spain and a legacy that would shape the future of Europe and the Americas.