Isabella I of Castile

Isabella I of Castile was one of the most powerful and influential queens in European history, ruling in a time when female monarchs were rare and often underestimated. Through intelligence, political skill, and unwavering resolve, she unified Castile and Aragon with Ferdinand, laying the foundation for a unified Spain and transforming the balance of power in Europe.

She was deeply religious and believed her reign was a divine mission, which shaped both her reforms and her most controversial decisions. Her patronage of Christopher Columbus opened the door to Spain’s global empire, while her domestic policies strengthened royal authority and centralized the state.