referring to
Ferdinand V (1452–1516),
king of various Spanish regions in the
late 1400s and early 1500s, and his wife
Isabella (1451–1504),
co-ruler of one of these
kingdoms. In about 1480 they established the Spanish
Inquisition, a
body of men appointed to
pass judgment on those considered to have beliefs contrary to those of the
Roman Catholic Church. The Spanish
Inquisition was noted for its cruel and
barbaric punishments and was also an effective tool against political opponents.
Isabella is noted mainly for her financing of Christopher
Columbus' voyages during which he discovered the
American continents.
—The Differences Between Scn and Other Studies. Final approval 15/11/89