<figure class="
sqs-block-image-figure
intrinsic
">


























</figure>









 



















































<figure class="
sqs-block-image-figure
intrinsic
">


























</figure>

In Episode 5, we explore the rise of the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon as they emerge from the Reconquista as the most powerful political force in Europe. We'll explore how an Italian sailor based in Portugal devised a plan to sail west to Asia and corner the lucrative spice market, convinced Queen Isabella of Castile to fund and equip him with three ships to make the voyage, and how those events led to the birth of the Spanish empire in the Americas almost by accident. Lastly, we'll meet Hernan Cortéz, a notary from a minor noble family from Extremadura in western Castile, who arrives in the new Spanish Caribbean colonies in his early 20s and quickly makes a name for himself.