The Spanish Golden Age refers to a period from the late 15th century to the early 17th century when Spain experienced a flourishing of arts and literature. This era began after the unification of Spain under the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I and Ferdinand II, and continued through the reign of the Habsburg dynasty. It was marked by significant achievements in painting, drama, and poetry. Notable figures of the Spanish Golden Age include the playwright Lope de Vega, the painter Diego Velázquez, and the novelist Miguel de Cervantes, whose work, Don Quixote, is considered one of the first modern novels. This period also saw the expansion of the Spanish Empire, which contributed to its cultural richness and global influence.