Isabella I of Castile

Isabella I was born to King John II of Castile and his second wife, Isabella of Portugal, in Madrigal de las Altas Torres. Her birth was marked with great celebration, as she was a significant addition to the royal lineage.

At the age of two, Isabella moved to the city of Segovia with her family, where she received her early upbringing and education under the care of her governesses and tutors.

Following the death of her elder half-brother, Henry IV, and the exclusion of his daughter Joanna from the line of succession, Isabella becomes the heiress presumptive to the throne of Castile.

King Henry IV begins negotiations to arrange a marriage for Isabella, aiming to secure political alliances. These early discussions set the stage for her future role in Castile's politics.

Despite opposition from her brother, King Henry IV, Isabella secretly marries Ferdinand of Aragon in Valladolid. This union would later lead to the unification of Castile and Aragon.

Upon the death of her brother, Henry IV, Isabella is proclaimed Queen of Castile in Segovia. She faces immediate challenges, including a war of succession against her niece Joanna la Beltraneja.

Ferdinand ascends to the throne of Aragon upon the death of his father, John II. The union of their crowns marks the beginning of the modern Spanish state and strengthens their rule.

Isabella and Ferdinand establish the Spanish Inquisition, aimed at rooting out heresy and ensuring religious uniformity. This controversial institution has a lasting impact on Spanish society.

Isabella and Ferdinand lead the Catholic forces to conquer Granada, the last Muslim stronghold in Spain, effectively completing the Reconquista. This victory solidifies their power and prestige.

Isabella and Ferdinand agree to sponsor Christopher Columbus's expedition to find a western route to the Indies. This decision leads to the discovery of the New World and the expansion of the Spanish Empire.

Isabella I of Castile dies in Medina del Campo after a brief illness. Her death marks the end of a transformative reign and the beginning of her daughter Joanna's rule.