1. Origins: The Birth of the Inquisition
Founded in 1478 by Ferdinand and Isabella, the Spanish Inquisition was established to enforce religious unity following the Reconquista. Unlike earlier medieval inquisitions that targeted heresy across Europe, this new tribunal aimed to root out converted Jews and Muslims suspected of secretly practicing their former faiths. The Inquisition became a powerful tool for political consolidation, intertwining religious orthodoxy with royal authority. To learn more, visit History.com.
