Tomás de Torquemada was a Spanish Dominican friar born in 1420. He is best known for his role as the first Grand Inquisitor of the Spanish Inquisition, which was established in 1478. Torquemada aimed to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in Spain, particularly targeting converted Jews and Muslims suspected of secretly practicing their former religions. Under his leadership, the Inquisition became notorious for its harsh methods, including torture and execution. Torquemada's influence extended to the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, who supported his efforts to unify Spain under Catholicism. His legacy remains controversial due to the severe measures employed during this period.