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.

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.