Fernando II was a significant historical figure, known as the King of Aragon and later as the King of Castile through his marriage to Isabella I. He ruled from 1479 until his death in 1516 and is often credited with unifying Spain, which laid the groundwork for the Spanish Empire. Under his reign, Fernando II and Isabella I completed the Reconquista by capturing Granada in 1492, marking the end of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. They also sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyage, leading to the discovery of the Americas, which had profound implications for global history.