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Army of Arauco
Ejército de Arauco
Batalla ente españoles y mapuches - por Alonso de Ovalle.jpg
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 Spanish Monarchy
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
Engagements Battle of Río Bueno
Commanders
Notable commanders Alonso de Ribera
Francisco Laso de la Vega
Pedro Porter Casanate

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. With the army headquarters being in Concepción this city became the "military capital" of Chile.

The Army of Arauco shaped the economy of southern Chile as it created a demand for wine and it meant an inflow of silver. This stimulated the Chilean wine industry as well as the Mapuche silverwork tradition. In addition Guaraní indians serving the army are thought to have helped establish the custom of drinking yerba mate in southern Chile.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Ejército de Arauco para niños

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