Historical Events from This Year 1491
Nkuwu Nzinga Converts to Christianity
Nkuwu Nzinga, the monarch of Kongo, was baptized by Portuguese missionaries and took the name João I. This significant event marked the beginning of a formal relationship between the Kingdom of Kongo and Portugal, driven by mutual political and economic interests. The alliance facilitated the spread of Christianity in the region, signaling a transformative change in cultural and religious dynamics. This baptism not only symbolized the acceptance of Christian faith by the king but also set the stage for further European influence in Central Africa.
Continue ReadingPublic Execution at the Brasero de la Dehesa
In the Brasero de la Dehesa, outside of Ávila, a public auto-da-fé marks the conclusion of the Holy Child of La Guardia case. This event leads to the execution of several Jewish and converso suspects accused of crimes against the Christian community. The ceremony draws a large crowd, reflecting the intense atmosphere surrounding religious and ethnic tensions in Spain during this period.
Continue ReadingFall of Granada and the Treaty of Granada
The Siege of Granada culminated in the signing of the Treaty of Granada, marking the end of the nearly eight-century rule of the Moors in the Iberian Peninsula. After months of military campaigns, the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, captured the city of Granada, the last significant Muslim stronghold in Spain. The treaty ensured the protection of the Muslim population while establishing Catholic Christian dominance in the region. This pivotal moment in Spanish history also symbolized the conclusion of the Reconquista.
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