Ferdinand and Isabella

Spain’s Middle Ages were marked by dramatic cultural contrasts, rapidly changes boundaries, and constant interaction, both good and bad, among the Christian, Muslims, and Jewish societies that shared the Iberian peninsula throughout the time frame until nearly the start of the 16th century. Until the late 1200s, religious tolerance and multiculturalism was a hallmark of Spanish royal society.

Isabel (Isabella) was born at Madrigal on April 22, 1451, the daughter of John II of Castile and his second wife, Isabella of Portugal. Almost against her own volition she was drawn into the political intrigue of Castilian politics. Because of her family's importance, she was brought to court at the age of thirteen to be under the eye, and the protection, of her half-brother the king. As the heiress of Castile, the question of Isabel's future marriage became a matter of frenzied diplomatic activity both in Spain and throughout the other royal courts of Europe. France, Portugal, and Aragon each put forward a potential suitor. Ultimately, between her advisors and her own strong will, the decision came down to Ferdinand of Aragon. She married Ferdinand in October of 1469.

Ferdinand was born in Sos on March 10, 1452, the son of John II of Ara

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This is the world to which a young woman was to make her claim. Ferdinand, the father of King Alfonso, and during the reign of King Alfonso, people of faiths other than Catholicism were welcomed at court and treated as equals. From his mother, he gained an impulsive, emotional streak which he managed, for the most pat, to keep under control. He was the focus of a bitterly contested succession when his father named him heir apparent and the governor of all his kingdoms and lands. The conquest of Granada allowed Isabel the opportunity to be visited by Columbus while she was in Santa Fe. One of the most controversial acts of his reign occurred in 1512 when he and his forces

occupied the kingdoms of Navarre and ultimately incorporated them into Castile.

Despite the political nature of their union, Ferdinand apparently did love Isabel sincerely. "

Many ancient scholars and even historians of today consider Fedinand and

Isabel to have been saviors of the Spanish kingdoms and leaders of unity. Despite the fact that the first part of the marriage began with almost continual separation, they soon had children: a daughter, Isabella, in 1470; the heir apparent, John, in 1478; and the other children - Juana, Catalina (later Catherine of Aragon), and Maria. gon and Juana Enriquez, both of Castilian heritage. Since she left no diaries, journals, or memoirs, her will proved to be the greatest indicator of her true nature.

The court of Aragon needed the mechanism to return to Castile, and Isabel needed help to gain succession to the throne. When Alfonso died in 1284, the "Reconquista" (re-conquering) attitude of intolerance became increasingly popular and people not of the Catholic faith were no longer viewed as respectable

members of society. The two of them created a more centralized and powerful government than Spain had ever experienced. Once he returned to Castile, he was once again able to manage the country while working to expand its dominion and power.

Approximate Word count = 1586
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

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