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