Ferdinand II of Aragon, also known as Ferdinand the Catholic, was born on March 10, 1452, in Sos del Rey Católico, Aragon. He was the son of King John II of Aragon and his second wife, Juana Enríquez. Ferdinand played a pivotal role in the unification of Spain through his marriage to Isabella I of Castile.
Ferdinand's early life was marked by political turmoil and family struggles for power within Aragon. After the death of his older brother Charles, Prince of Viana, Ferdinand became the heir to the Aragonese throne. He assumed the title of King of Sicily in 1468 and became King of Aragon upon his father's death in 1479.
In 1469, Ferdinand married Isabella, who would later become the Queen of Castile. This union, which was initially opposed by Isabella's brother, Henry IV, was crucial in the formation of the modern Spanish state. Their marriage was not just a political alliance but also a personal partnership, as they worked together to consolidate their power and pursue common goals.
Ferdinand outlived Isabella, who died in 1504. After her death, he continued to rule Castile as regent for their daughter Joanna, known as Joanna the Mad, until his death in 1516. He died in Madrigalejo on January 23, 1516, and was buried in Royal Pantheon of the House of Bourbon in Granada.
Ferdinand II of Aragon's reign is marked by the transformation of Spain into a major European power. His policies and those of Isabella were instrumental in shaping Spain's identity, culture, and religion. His legacy includes the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition, which aimed to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in Spain.