Christopher Columbus' 1492 exploration was financed by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon. After being rejected by Portugal, Columbus sought support from the Spanish court, and despite initial doubts and a committee's negative assessment of his plans, the monarchs eventually agreed to fund his voyage. This decision was influenced by political and religious motivations, including Spain's recent victory in the Reconquista and the desire to find new trade routes and expand Spanish influence. The funding was formalized in the "Capitulations of Santa Fe" in April 1492, granting Columbus titles and a share of the revenues from newly discovered lands if successful.