I did learn something new, by the way! I had no idea he was married to Catherine for so long and that his last 5 marriages were just in the last 14 years. Also, good for her, being the first female ambassador! That's impressive. Like mother, like daughter in the sense of being powerful, intelligent, successful women.
Can I just mention, though, that Los Reyes Católicos (as Isabella and Ferdinand were referred to) may have been responsible for "uniting Spain" but they also committed mass genocide on the Muslim peoples there. They were ruthless and bloody. I've stood in a church where dozens of bodies were buried under the alter by their men. I know this article is about their daughter: I just wanted to acknowledge this piece as it was referenced.
A more fun fact: In the statue of Isabella, at rest in death, present where she is buried, her head is sunk further into the stone pillow than her husband's. This is because she was acknowledged as being the true brains behind their reign. She was the strategist and he was the sword.
Oh absolutely! Did you listen to the podcast I linked to? Lots more about her fascinating (and yes, problematic) parents in there. A period of Spanish history I studied at A level and always found interesting.
And yes, a much longer marriage than the rest of his wives. I always feel she's a bit hard done by when she's just lumped together as "one of six wives"!
I did learn something new, by the way! I had no idea he was married to Catherine for so long and that his last 5 marriages were just in the last 14 years. Also, good for her, being the first female ambassador! That's impressive. Like mother, like daughter in the sense of being powerful, intelligent, successful women.
Can I just mention, though, that Los Reyes Católicos (as Isabella and Ferdinand were referred to) may have been responsible for "uniting Spain" but they also committed mass genocide on the Muslim peoples there. They were ruthless and bloody. I've stood in a church where dozens of bodies were buried under the alter by their men. I know this article is about their daughter: I just wanted to acknowledge this piece as it was referenced.
A more fun fact: In the statue of Isabella, at rest in death, present where she is buried, her head is sunk further into the stone pillow than her husband's. This is because she was acknowledged as being the true brains behind their reign. She was the strategist and he was the sword.
Oh absolutely! Did you listen to the podcast I linked to? Lots more about her fascinating (and yes, problematic) parents in there. A period of Spanish history I studied at A level and always found interesting.
And yes, a much longer marriage than the rest of his wives. I always feel she's a bit hard done by when she's just lumped together as "one of six wives"!