Brian A. Catlos

In this engaging conversation, historian Brian Catlos, author of "Kingdoms of Faith," dives into the transformative era of Isabella of Castile. He discusses the troubling rise of the Spanish Inquisition and the impact of Isabella's reign on Spain's once-thriving multicultural society. Catlos sheds light on the fall of Granada as a pivotal moment in history, revealing the complex dynamics of power, religion, and ambition in 1492. The episode also touches on Isabella's influential legacy as a formidable female ruler in a male-dominated world.

Brian Catlos, a Religious Studies Professor at the University of Colorado and author of 'Kingdoms of Faith', explores the captivating history of al-Andalus. He discusses the transformative Arab and Berber conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, the region's ascent as a cultural and economic powerhouse, and the nuanced coexistence between Christians and Muslims. Catlos also reflects on the dynamics of alliances during the Reconquista and the enduring influences of Islamic civilization on Europe, revealing a complex tapestry of faith, culture, and identity.

In this engaging discussion, historian Brian Catlos sheds light on Isabella of Castile, a monarch known for her complex legacy as both a powerful queen and a controversial figure. The conversation covers Isabella's dramatic rise to power and the significant role she played in uniting Spain through her marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon. Catlos explores the darker aspects of her reign, including the Inquisition and religious purges, while contrasting her historical impact with that of Akbar’s Mughal India, ultimately revealing the tangled dynamics of leadership in medieval Iberia.