Spanish and Portuguese Jews, also known as Sephardic Jews, are descendants of Jewish communities that lived in the Iberian Peninsula before their expulsion in the late 15th century. Following the Spanish Inquisition in 1492 and the Portuguese Inquisition in 1497, many Jews were forced to convert to Christianity or flee to other countries. Those who converted often continued to practice Judaism in secret. After their expulsion, many Sephardic Jews settled in various parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Americas. They played significant roles in trade and commerce, contributing to the cultural and economic development of their new communities while maintaining their unique traditions and customs.