Army of Arauco
The Army of Arauco (Spanish: Ejército de Arauco) was a professional army in the service of the kings of Spain that was based in Spanish-Mapuche frontier, south-central Chile, during the 16th to 19th centuries. It was notable for being a rare example of a standing army in the Americas. The army was established after the disastrous Destruction of the Seven Cities (1598–1604) to fight in the Arauco War against anti-Spanish Mapuche coalitions. The army was financed by silver from Potosí, in a payment called Real Situado.[1]
Army of Arauco Ejército de Arauco | |
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![]() The Army of Arauco battling Mapuches as depicted in Alonso de Ovalle's Histórica relación del Reyno de Chile (1646). | |
Active | 1604–1810 (dissolution) |
Country | ![]() |
Allegiance | King of Spain |
Branch | Spanish Army |
Type | Tercio |
Role | Security, control, and defense of the Captaincy General of Chile |
Size | 1,500 |
Garrison/HQ | Concepción |
Anniversaries | Mapuches (Araucanians) Cuncos |
Engagements | Battle of Río Bueno |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
References
- Lacoste, P. 2005. El vino y la nueva identidad de Chile. Revista Universum, 20, 24-33.
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