The main reason for the Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478, was to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in Spain, particularly among converted Jews (conversos) and Muslims (Moriscos). Following the Reconquista, the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella sought to consolidate their rule and ensure pureness of faith within their newly unified kingdom. The Inquisition aimed to root out heresy and enforce religious conformity, often employing extreme measures such as torture and execution. The institution became infamous for its persecution of perceived dissenters, contributing to a climate of fear and oppression that affected Spanish society and culture for centuries.