Conquest of Granada:
- Isabella and her husband, King Ferdinand II of Aragon, are celebrated for the successful completion of the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula by capturing the last remaining Moorish stronghold, the emirate of Granada, ending seven centuries of Islamic influence in Spain.
Reconquista:
- As a monarch, she sought to continue the medieval policy known as the "Reconquista" to unite Spain under Christian rule. Together with King Ferdinand, she completed this objective with conquests such as Granada.
Exploration and the New World:
- Isabella played a critical role in supporting the voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492, led by the Italian explorer himself. This historic journey is recognized as a pivotal event that marked the beginning of European discovery and colonization of the Americas.
Marriage Alliance with Aragon:
- Isabella's marriage to King Ferdinand created the union of the royal houses of Castile and Aragon, forming the unified monarchy that served as the foundation for modern Spain known as Spain.
Unification and Centralization:
- During her reign, Isabella worked towards increasing royal power by introducing legal, administrative, and economic reforms to establish order and centralize authority, ultimately strengthening the Spanish monarchy.
Inquisition and Religious Unity:
- Isabella became notorious for introducing and supporting the Spanish Inquisition in 1478. This religious tribunal aimed to maintain religious unity within Spain by investigating and combating heresy throughout the Iberian Peninsula.