Ferdinand II of Aragon

Michel Sittow 004

Ferdinand II of Aragon (10 March 1452 – 23 January 1516), also known as Ferdinand the Catholic, was a king of Aragon, Castile, Sicily, Naples, Valencia, Sardinia, and Navarre during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. His marriage to Isabella I of Castile in 1469, a pivotal event in Spanish history, led to the unification of Aragon and Castile into a single state, laying the foundation for the modern nation of Spain. Ferdinand and Isabella's reign was marked by significant events including the completion of the Reconquista, the expulsion of the Jews and Muslims from Spain, and the financing of Christopher Columbus' 1492 voyage, which led to the discovery of the New World.

Early Life

Ferdinand was born in Sos, Aragon, to John II of Aragon and Juana Enríquez. He was named after his great-grandfather, Ferdinand I of Aragon. From an early age, Ferdinand was involved in the complex politics of the Iberian Peninsula, a region characterized by its Christian and Muslim states.

Marriage to Isabella

The marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella I of Castile was not only a personal union but also a political alliance that would eventually lead to the unification of Spain. The couple shared a common goal of consolidating their kingdoms, which they pursued through military and diplomatic means. Their marriage was celebrated in Valladolid in 1469.

Reign

Ferdinand's reign was notable for several key achievements. The completion of the Reconquista, with the conquest of Granada in 1492, ended centuries of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. The same year, Ferdinand and Isabella issued the Alhambra Decree, which expelled Jews from Spain, a decision that had profound and lasting impacts on Spanish society and the Jewish diaspora. In 1492, they also sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyage, which led to the European discovery of the Americas.

Ferdinand was instrumental in establishing the Spanish Inquisition, aimed at enforcing Catholic orthodoxy within his realms. His efforts to strengthen royal authority often put him at odds with the nobility and the Church, but they also laid the groundwork for the centralized Spanish state.

Later Years and Death

In his later years, Ferdinand focused on consolidating his territories in Italy, including the Kingdom of Naples, and on diplomatic efforts to expand Spanish influence in Europe. He died in Madrigalejo, Extremadura, in 1516. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy lived on through his grandson, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who would inherit a vast empire.

Legacy

Ferdinand's policies and actions had a lasting impact on Spain and the world. His efforts to unify Spain under Catholic rule, his support of exploration and colonization, and his role in the Italian Wars shaped the course of European history. He is remembered as a key figure in the transition from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age.