Pronunciation: [ˌɪse͡ɪbˈɛləɹ ˈa͡ɪ] (IPA) 
Isabella I was a queen of Castile and León in the late 15th century. The word "Isabella" is spelled /ɪˈzæbələ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first sound is the short "i" sound, followed by the "z" sound, then a short "a" sound, and the letter "b." The final syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound. The spelling of Isabella's name in modern English reflects both its Spanish origins and its pronunciation in English.
Isabella I, also known as Isabella the Catholic, was the Queen of Castile and León from 1474 to 1504. She was born on April 22, 1451, in Madrigal de las Altas Torres, Spain, and died on November 26, 1504, in Medina del Campo, Spain. Isabella I was a renowned monarch who played a significant role in the history of Spain.
Isabella I is remembered for her marriage to Ferdinand II of Aragon, which united the Kingdoms of Castile and Aragon and marked the beginning of modern Spain. Together, they launched the conquest of Granada from the Moors and completed the Christian Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula. This conquest was a pivotal moment in Spanish history and enabled Spain to strengthen its position as a dominant European power.
Isabella I was also well-known for her religious fervor and commitment to Catholicism. She sponsored the voyages of Christopher Columbus, leading to the discovery of the Americas, which later became the backbone of the Spanish Empire. Isabella’s reign also witnessed the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition, aimed at enforcing religious orthodoxy and eradicating heresy.
Throughout her reign, Isabella I implemented important administrative and legal reforms, revitalized the royal council, and promoted education and arts. Her reign is considered the dawn of Spain's golden age and laid the foundations for the subsequent Habsburg dynasty. Isabella I left a lasting legacy, remembered as a strong and influential ruler who shaped the destiny of Spain during the late 15th and early 16th centuries.
The word "Isabella" is derived from the Spanish name "Isabel", which itself comes from the Latin name "Isabella" or "Isabella". In turn, the name "Isabella" is a Spanish variant of the name "Elizabeth". "Elizabeth" has Hebrew origins and is derived from the name "Elisheva", meaning "God is my oath". As for the numeral "I", it designates that it refers to the first Isabella, distinguishing her from later individuals who might have been given the same name.
