Spanish tercios

Spanish tercios were historical military units in Spain, primarily used during the 16th and 17th centuries. Each tercio combined infantry, cavalry, and artillery, forming a versatile fighting force. Typically, a tercio consisted of around 3,000 to 4,000 soldiers, organized into smaller companies. Renowned for their discipline and effective tactics, tercios played a crucial role in the Spanish military successes during Spain's empire period. Their structure influenced European warfare, emphasizing combined arms and the importance of professional soldiers, paving the way for modern military organization.