Ferdinand of Aragon (1452-1516) was a significant monarch in Spanish history, known for his role in the unification of Spain. He married Isabella I of Castile, and together they completed the Reconquista by capturing Granada in 1492, which ended Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Their reign marked the beginning of Spain as a unified nation. Ferdinand and Isabella are also known for sponsoring Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage, which led to the discovery of the Americas. Their rule established a strong centralized government and laid the foundation for Spain's future as a global power during the Age of Exploration.