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The tercio was a military administrative unit that contained around 3,000 troops. In the battlefield the tercio would form pike and shot formations called the escuadrón. Through the use of the tercio, Spain would dominate land warfare in the European continent from the 1500s to the 1600s.

Depicted in this piece is the Spanish tercio during the battle of Rocroi (1643). This battle is often reffered to as the begining of the downfall of the tercio. However, it should be noted that the Spanish tercios in this battle were never defeated.

At Rocroi, the Spanish cavalry was routed and the Spanish artillery was captured by the opposing French army. But the tercios stood strong. Withstanding artillery bombardment and numerous infantry and cavalry attacks, the tercios managed to hold.

Having the Spanish surrounded and outnumbered, the French asked them to surrender. In response, the Spanish said: "His Excellency seems to forget he is facing a Spanish tercio."

After more numerous failed attacks that were unable to break the tercios, the French eventually allowed an honorable surrender for the Spanish, where they could march out of the field, complete with their colors and weapons.

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Featuring:

FairChild (@temper-temper) - Stanrad Bearer carrying the Cross of Burgundy

@techbro-arts and @askpokeeosin as pikemen