Philip II saw himself as God’s chosen ruler
Philip II saw himself as God's chosen ruler, ordained to lead the Kingdom of Castile. His conviction in his divine mandate shaped his reign
In the heart of medieval Spain, the Kingdom of Castile emerged as a dominant force, shaping the course of Iberian history.
Foundation and Expansion
Founded in the 9th century, Castile began as a frontier territory, pushing back against Moorish rule. Under King Ferdinand I, Castile expanded southward, reclaiming territories from the Moors and laying the foundation for its future power.
The Reconquista
Castile played a pivotal role in the Reconquista, the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula. Through a series of military campaigns and alliances, Castile steadily pushed the Moors southward, reclaiming lands and consolidating its influence.
The Marriage of Isabella and Ferdinand
The marriage of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon united two powerful kingdoms, setting the stage for the unification of Spain. Their joint rule brought stability and prosperity to Castile, paving the way for exploration and colonization.
Exploration and Colonization
Under the reign of Isabella and Ferdinand, Castilian explorers embarked on ambitious voyages, leading to the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Castile’s colonization efforts established vast overseas territories, enriching the kingdom and solidifying its status as a global power.
Legacy
The Kingdom of Castile left an indelible mark on Spanish history, shaping its culture, language, and identity. From its humble beginnings to its golden age of exploration, Castile’s legacy endures as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Spanish people.
Philip II’s administration was marked by a reputation for efficiency
Philip II's administration was marked by a reputation for efficiency, characterized by a centralized bureaucracy
The Dutch Revolt was primarily driven by religious tensions
The Dutch Revolt was primarily driven by religious tensions, with the majority of Dutch rebels being Protestants.
The Spanish commander the Duke of Enghien
The Spanish commander, the Duke of Enghien, also known as Francisco de Melo, was a prominent military leader during the Thirty Years' War.
The Battle of Rocroi
The Battle of Rocroi, fought on May 19, 1643, was a decisive engagement during the later stages of the Thirty Years' War in Europe.
The Battle of Lützen
The Battle of Lützen was a significant confrontation during the Thirty Years' War in Europe, occurring on November 16, 1632
The Battle of White Mountain
The Battle of White Mountain was a pivotal engagement during the early stages of the Thirty Years' War in Europe.
The Thirty Years’ War
The Thirty Years' War was a devastating conflict that engulfed Europe from 1618 to 1648. It originated in the Holy Roman Empire
The Eighty Years’ War
The Dutch Revolt swiftly evolved into a prolonged conflict known as the Eighty Years' War, lasting from 1568 to 1648.
Spain officially recognized the independence of the Dutch Republic
In the Treaty of Westphalia signed in 1648, Spain officially recognized the independence of the Dutch Republic.