Spanish Empire Song (Until 1976; Instrumental) Himno de Los Tercios

The Spanish Empire (Spanish: Imperio Español; Latin: Imperium Hispanicum), historically known as the Hispanic Monarchy (Spanish: Monarquía Hispánica) as the Catholic Monarchy (Spanish: Monarquía Católica) or as the Universal Catholic Monarchy (Spanish: Monarquía Católica Universal) was composed of kingdoms, vice-royalties, provinces and other territories ruled or administered by Spain between 1492 and 1976. It was one of the largest empires in history.

Although other powers adopted the tercio formation, their armies fell short of the fearsome reputation of the Spanish (Tercios Españoles), who possessed a core of highly trained and experienced professional soldiers. That army was further supplemented by "an army of different nations", a reference to the origin of the troops from many territories of the Europe.