Catholic Monarchs

Definition

The Catholic Monarchs refer to King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile who ruled Spain jointly from 1474 until 1504. They played significant roles in unifying Spain politically through marriage alliances and religiously through their support for Catholicism.

Analogy

Think of the Catholic Monarchs as a power couple who brought together different regions and religious beliefs in Spain, much like how two puzzle pieces fit perfectly to complete a picture.

Related terms

Reconquista: The Reconquista refers to the centuries-long Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule.

Spanish Inquisition: The Spanish Inquisition was a judicial institution established by the Catholic Monarchs to enforce religious orthodoxy and suppress heresy in Spain.

Christopher Columbus: Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs who is credited with discovering America in 1492.