Queen Isabel, also known as Isabella I of Castile, was a significant figure in Spanish history. Born in 1451, she became the Queen of Castile in 1474 and later united Spain through her marriage to Ferdinand II of Aragon. Together, they completed the Reconquista, which ended Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Isabel is also known for sponsoring Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage, which led to the discovery of the Americas. Her reign marked the beginning of Spain's rise as a global power, and she played a crucial role in establishing the Spanish Inquisition to maintain Catholic orthodoxy.