Who were the king and queen of Spain responsible for starting the Spanish Inquisition?

Ferdinand and Isabella, the king and queen of Spain, initiated the Spanish Inquisition in 1478. Their primary goal was to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in their kingdoms, especially following the Reconquista, which aimed to reclaim territory from Muslim Moors. The establishment of the Inquisition served to consolidate their power and enforce religious unity, primarily targeting conversos (Jews who had converted to Christianity) and others suspected of heresy.

This context is essential since Ferdinand and Isabella's reign marked a significant moment in Spanish history where political and religious authority intertwined, leading to the establishment of a religious tribunal that sought to root out perceived threats to Catholicism. Their decision had lasting impacts on Spain's social fabric and its treatment of religious minorities.