Ferdinand II of Aragon was a significant historical figure born on March 10, 1452. He became King of Aragon in 1479 and is best known for his marriage to Isabella I of Castile, which united two of the largest kingdoms in Spain. This union laid the foundation for the modern Spanish state and helped to complete the Reconquista, the effort to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule. Ferdinand and Isabella are also known for sponsoring Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage, which led to the discovery of the Americas. Their reign marked the beginning of Spain's rise as a global power, influencing politics, culture, and exploration for centuries.