Ferdinand V, also known as Ferdinand of Aragon or Ferdinand the Catholic, was a monarch who played a significant role in European history during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He was born on March 10, 1452, in Sos, Aragon, and reigned as the King of Aragon from 1479 until his death in 1516.
Ferdinand V is primarily known for his marriage to Queen Isabella I of Castile in 1469, which united the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile into the powerful state of Spain. This marriage solidified their joint rule over the newly formed Spanish monarchy and marked the beginning of the Spanish Golden Age.
Under Ferdinand's rule, Spain experienced a period of political consolidation, religious fervor, and exploration. He heavily supported Christopher Columbus's voyages, which ultimately led to the discovery of the Americas. Ferdinand and Isabella's reign saw the completion of the Reconquista, the reconquest of Muslim territories in Spain.
Ferdinand V also played a crucial role in the Spanish Inquisition, a campaign to enforce religious unity and suppress any dissenting beliefs. This dark chapter in Spanish history resulted in the expulsion of the Jewish and Muslim populations from Spain, as well as the infamous torture and persecution of those accused of heresy.
Overall, Ferdinand V is remembered as a powerful monarch who oversaw significant political and religious changes in Spain. His reign marked the beginning of Spain's emergence as a global power and left a lasting impact on European history.
