Historical Figure
Ferdinand II
1529–1595
King of Aragon from 1479 to 1516
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Biography
Ferdinand II was King of Aragon from 1479 until his death in 1516. As the husband and co-ruler of Queen Isabella I of Castile, he was also King of Castile from 1475 to 1504. He reigned jointly with Isabella over a dynastically unified Spain; together, they are known as the Catholic Monarchs. Ferdinand is considered the de facto first king of Spain, and was described as such during his reign, even though, legally, Castile and Aragon remained two separate kingdoms until they were formally united by the Nueva Planta decrees issued between 1707 and 1716.
Timeline
The story of Ferdinand II, told in moments.
Married Isabella I of Castile in Valladolid. The union joined Aragon and Castile. Their marriage created the foundation of modern Spain, though the kingdoms remained legally separate for two more centuries.
Established the Spanish Inquisition with Isabella. Originally aimed at conversos suspected of secretly practicing Judaism. It lasted 356 years and executed thousands.
Three events in one year. Conquered Granada, the last Muslim kingdom in Iberia. Expelled all Jews from Spain. Funded Columbus's first voyage west. Each one reshaped the world.
Died at Madrigalejo at 63. Left behind a unified Spain, colonies in the Americas, and a grandson, Charles V, who would rule the largest European empire since Rome.
Artifacts (10)
Carousel in Florence for the Marriage of The Grand Duke Ferdinand II
Stefano della Bella
Design for the coat of arms of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon
Raimundo de Madrazo, Spanish
Design for the coat of arms of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon
Raimundo de Madrazo, Spanish
Halberd of Archduke Ferdinand II of Austria (1578–1637, Emperor from 1619)
Allegory on the Glory of Emperor Ferdinand II
Antonio Circignano or Circignani|Claude Mellan
Glaive of the Bodyguard of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, later Emperor Ferdinand II (1578–1637)
Glaive of the Bodyguard of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, later Emperor Ferdinand II (1578–1637)
Eleonora, Wife of Ferdinand II, from the series Ferdinandus II et III Imperatorum Domus Austriacae...
Pieter Soutman|Pieter Van Sompel
A mid-bust portrait of Emperor Ferdinand II, within an oval frame, surrounded by armor
Stefano della Bella
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