Queen Isabella I of Castile

Isabella I of Castile Is Born

Apr 22, 1451

Isabella I of Castile was born on April 22, 1451 in Madrid, Spain to King Juan II and his wife Queen Isabel. Hardly any attention was given to the birth of a princess. There are no records of any celebrations over her birth, even though she was royalty. As a result of this disregard, there is very little information about her birth. This event is significant, because the baby whose birth was ignored grew up to bring great change to Spain, and finance Columbus's trip to America.
(Rubin 17)

Leonardo da Vinci Born

Apr 15, 1452

On April 15, 1452 Leonardo da Vinci, born Leonardo di Ser Piero da Vinci was born in Vinci, Italy. Da Vinci was the illegitimate son of Ser Piero da Vinci, who was a well-known notary in Florence. This was a significant event, because da Vinci went on to create some of the most priceless artwork of the Renaissance Era along with having many scientific theories and inventions, such as the parachute. (Gale: Biography In Context)

Machu Picchu Is Constuctued

Aug 22, 1455

One of the most famous lasting ruins of ancient societies is the Incan Machu Piccu. Machu Piccu is thought to have been constructed sometime in the 1450s, by the instruction of the then emperor, Pachacuti. The Incan empire used the city as a religious sanctuary until 1532, when it was abandoned because of the arrival of European explorers. This is significant because Machu Piccu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a huge resource for modern archeological studies. (GlobeRove.com)

Isabella Joined The Spanish Court

Jun 30, 1462

In 1454 Isabella's father died, leaving Isabella and her mother and little brother in the care of her older brother, the new King Enrique. Enrique banished Isabella and her family to a dreary far away castle. Later in 1462, he ordered the return of Isabella and her little brother Alfonso to his court, because he feared being overthrown by rebelling nobles using his younger siblings. This is significant because living in court enabled Isabella to reach her future role as Queen. (Burch 8-11)

Isabella Marries Ferdinand of Aragon

Oct 18, 1469

In a quiet ceremony at the Virevo Palace in Castile, Isabella I married Ferdinand of Aragon. The ceremony was hidden from King Enrique because he wanted Isabella to marry the King of Portugal, and did not approve of the match. This was a highly significant event because it allowed for Isabella and Ferdinand to later rule Spain together. Their joint-rule of Castile and Aragon is considered one of the most successful monarchial partnerships in the history of Western Europe.
(Rubin 83-84)

First Book Is Printed In The English Language

Aug 20, 1474

The first book printed in the English Language was published in 1474 by William Caxton. It was a translation of a French book, The Recuyell of the Histories of Troye, which is a romance which portrays Greek mythological heroes as chivalric heroes such as those of Europe. The book was printed for Margret, the wife of England's Duke of Burgundy. This is significant, the printing of a book was a large contribution to the great effect books have on society today. (Grun 212).

Isabella Is Crowned Queen of Castile and Leon

Dec 13, 1474

Isabella was crowned Queen of Castile and Leon in Segovia, Castile, just two days after the death of her older brother King Enrique. She was crowned in a hurry, without Ferdinand who was away in Aragon, so that her neice Juana did not try to claim the throne. This event is significant because it put a large amount of power in Isabella's hands. It was only after becoming Queen that Isabella was able to make Spain one of the most prosperous nations in the world. (Rubin 4-7)

Michelangelo Is Born

Mar 6, 1475

On March 6, 1475 Michelangelo Buonarroti was born in Caprese, Italy. His parents were a Florentine government agent and his wife. Michelangelo's birth was a significant event because he later became one of the most important, and most famous artists of the Renaissance time period. His sculptures, such as his David, and the paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel are world renowned artistic treasures today. (Gale: Biography In Context)

Castile Wins The Battle of Toro

Mar 1, 1476

The Battle of Toro was a battle between Castile and Portugal, which Castile won. In the years leading up to the battle, King Alphonso of Portugal tried to seize the Castilian crown away from Isabella. The Castilian win at the Battle of Toro ruined his chances of doing so. The Battle of Toro was significant because it allowed Isabella to remain Queen of Castile, and reach her many achievements as Queen. (Rubin 147) (Burch 24-26)

The Spanish Inquisition Is Established

Dec 3, 1478

In 1478 Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand established a system of inquiry to find out who of the conversos (converts from Islam) were still practicing Islam. Isabella put her formor Catholic confessor Torquemada in charge of the Inquisition. People suspected of not practicing Christianity were taken away in the night and tortured into confession, even if they had nothing to confess. This event was significant because it lead to Isabella's later religious edicts and reforms. (Burch 35-37)

King of Moors Surrenders

Jan 2, 1492

Isabella and Ferdinand's Spanish army fought the Moors (Muslims) in Grenada for 10 years over a Moorish attack on Zahara, a fortress on Castile's southern border. The Spanish army was led by Ferdinand and financed with supplies acquired by Isabella. On January 2, 1492 the Moors finally surrendered. This was significant because it removed the Moors from Castile, and lead to Isabella later expelling all non-Christians from her kingdom. (Burch 40-43)

Isabella and Ferdinand Sign The Edict of Expulsion

Mar 31, 1492

On March 31, 1492 Isabella and Ferdinand signed an edict that called for the removal of all Jews from Castile and Aragon within three months. By July 1, all Jews, their children, servant, and anyone associated with them were ordered to leave the country. They were forbidden from taking anything besides movable property with them, no gold or silver either. This event was very important. It allowed Isabella to achieve her goal of uniting Castile using Christian faith. (Rubin 300-303)

Columbus Sets Sail

Aug 3, 1492

Columbus met with Queen Isabella soon after the Granada War. Isabella had previously given him a small allowance of money so he would remain in Castile, until she could finance his trip to find a passage to the Indies. Columbus told Isabella that Portugal was close to finding a new route to Asia, which would increase their power. Isabella wanted to prevent this and gave him the supplies to make his significant voyage, as it lead to exploration and wealth for Spain. (Burch 44-51)

Leonardo Da Vinci Creates "The Last Supper"

Dec 5, 1493

In 1493, Leonardo da Vinci began working on his masterpiece, "The Last Supper." The last supper is considered by many to have been the high point of art in the renaissance period. When painted, it was thought to have been a “triumph of illusionistic naturalism." Unfortunately, the painting did not survive, it began crumbling within da Vinci's own lifetime. This is significant, because the painting for a time showcased the finest art of the renaissance period. (Gale: Biography In Context)

Vasco da Gama Reaches India

May 20, 1498

On May 20, 1498 the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama became the first European to reach India. His ship landed at Calicut, which is on the Malabar Coast of India. He was not treated well in India, and returned to Europe in 1499. This was a significant event for the world because it opened up European exploration in India, where the British later colonized. (History.com)

Queen Isabella I of Castile Dies

Nov 26, 1504

In summer 1504, Isabella and Ferdinand rode to the town of Medina de Campo, which was near Isabella's childhood home. On this journey, they each fell ill, Ferdinand recovered quickly, but Isabella never did, she later died. All Castile grieved for their queen who had dedicated her life to the kingdom and church. This event is significant because it ended the life of one of Castile's greatest Monarchs. (Burch 54-55)