Isabella and Ferdinand also ended the existence of Islam in the Iberian Peninsula. This victory brought them great prestige and increased their status as powerful rulers.
Isabella was born on April 22, 1451, in Madrigal de las Altas Torres, Castile. After a controversial accession to the throne, she and her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon ensured the unification of Spain.
The union of Isabella and Ferdinand laid the foundation for the unification of Spain as their marriage brought together the crowns of Castile and Aragon, some of the most powerful kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula.
Important political, social, and cultural changes took place during Isabella's reign. She implemented reforms to strengthen royal authority, centralize government, and regulate the administration of justice. Isabella also supported especially the travels of Christopher Columbus that led to the discovery of the New World in 1492.
Isabella I (22 April 1451 – 26 November 1504), also called Isabella the Catholic, was Queen of Castile from 1474 until her death in 1504. She was also Queen of Aragon from 1479 until her death as the wife of King Ferdinand II. Reigning together over a dynastically unified Spain, Isabella and Ferdinand are known as the Catholic Monarchs.
Isabella was known for her strong religious beliefs and passion for Catholicism. She played an influential role in the Spanish Inquisition, this campaign aimed at cleansing Spain of religious heresy. In addition, Isabella was the patroness of the arts and sciences, and her reign witnessed the development of Spanish culture.
Isabella I of Castile was born on April 22, 1451, in the town of Madrigal de las Altas Torres, Castile, part of Spain. She is the second child and eldest daughter of Isabella of Portugal, the second wife of King Second John of Castile.
Isabella's support of Christopher Columbus's expeditions played an important role in the discovery of the New World. In 1492, Columbus embarked on his maiden voyage, supported by Isabella and Ferdinand.
The queen who only took a bath twice in her life
Queen Isabella the First of Castile was a strict Catholic. She saw traitors and believers in religions other than her own as enemies. She had said she would not bathe until the last Muslim and Jew in Europe was killed. She kept her word and took only two baths in her entire life.
She was also interested in education as well as religious subjects. She started learning Latin at the age of 30. She also provided a good education for the children during her reign and was very supportive of the painters.
Queen Isabella died on November 26, 1504
In the last years of Isabel's reign, first, her only son Juan, then her daughter Isabel, Queen of Portugal, and then her grandson Miguel, who was expected to unite Spain and Portugal, died. Thereupon, her daughter Juana, known as the "Mad", became the heir to the throne of Castile. Later, Queen Isabella died on November 26, 1504.