The main purpose of the Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478, was to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in Spain after the Reconquista. The monarchy sought to consolidate power and ensure religious unity in an emerging nation-state. The Inquisition targeted conversos, Jews who had converted to Christianity, and later, Muslims, accusing them of secretly practicing their former faiths. Its methods included interrogations and torture, leading to public trials and executions. While it aimed to root out heresy, it also served to instill fear and consolidate royal authority. The Spanish Inquisition significantly influenced Spain's social and religious landscape, leaving a controversial legacy that lasted for centuries.