Queen Isabella Signs a Document Only 2 Months After Issuing the Decree of 1501, Intensifying the Spanish Inquisition

Queen Isabella of Spain

DS - Document Signed

Queen of Castile 1474-1504 and a Catholic Monarch who ruled jointly with her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon. 1 page Document Signed "Yo La Reina" at the top of the page and dated December 1501. The Spanish Inquisition was originally intended in large part to ensure the Catholic orthodoxy of those who converted from Judaism and Islam. This regulation of the faith of the newly converted was intensified after the royal decrees issued in 1492 and 1501 mandated that Jews and Muslims convert to Catholicism or face exile from Spain.

While the Spanish Inquisition had begun in 1478, it was in full force by the time of this document's creation. With the goal of cleansing all non Catholic sentiment from the Spanish nation, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella issued the Edict of Alhambra that required the force exile of all non-Catholics from Spain. The additional decree issued in October of 1501 further mandated the public destruction of non-Christian texts.

This Document Signed is dated only two months later, in the months when the Spanish began to enact trials, questioning, and enforcement of the banishment of non-Catholics. It marks an important moment in history. Mounting tape marks on verso. Document has minor age related toning and fold lines not affecting text. Some writing also wraps onto the verso fold. Measures approximately 8x11". In very good condition.

Item #15076

Price: $7,000.00