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 | |
|---|---|
 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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