Lois McMaster Bujold Fans discussion

From wikipedia:

"the novel is loosely based on the lives of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, the unifiers of Spain... Iselle's mother Ista, heroine of the sequel Paladin of Souls, is based on Isabella of Portugal. Iselle's father Roya (King) Ias is based on John II of Castile, whose favorite Alvaro de Luna inspired Bujold's Arvol dy Lutez. Iselle's half-brother Orico represents Henry IV of Castile, who was called "the Impotent", and her full brother Teidez corresponds to Alfonso de las Asturias. The geography is likewise based on that of the Iberian Peninsula in the 15th century—but flipped north for south. Chalion is Castile; Ibra is Aragon and Valencia; South Ibra is Catalonia; Brajar is Portugal; the Roknari princedoms are Moorish Andalusia; and Darthaca is France."

Is anyone familiar with the historical, geographic, and political references? What similarities or differences have you noticed.....?

Interesting. It seemed vaguely familiar but I couldn't pinpoint it. I don't know enough about the period to be able to judge.