Tomas de Torquemada was a Spanish Dominican friar and the first Grand INQUISITOR of the Spanish Inquisition. He was born in 1420 in the Castilian town of Valladolid, and his name is derived from the Spanish word for 'TWISTED'. He was appointed as the INQUISITOR General in 1483 by King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I of Spain. During his tenure, he was responsible for the prosecution of heretics and Jews, and the torture and execution of those found guilty. He also established the Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition, which was responsible for the persecution of those accused of heresy. His nickname, 'The Hammer of Heretics', reflects his reputation for ruthlessness. He died in 1498 in Avila, Spain.