Maurice was born in 1567 CE as the son of William the Silent, the main leader of the Dutch revolt against Habsburg / Spanish rule.
When he was 16, his father was murdered in Delft and he took over as "stadhouder", 'steward', gaining the title in several Dutch provinces over the years.
Four years later he was appointed captain-general of the army, replacing the English earl of Leicester, who had become unpopular with the Dutch.
Maurice replaced seasonal mercenary troops with a standing army.
Discipline was strictly enforced, to a point that civilian population had no qualms about quartering troops in their midst, which until then was unheard of.
The army was also subjected to intense drill, so that handling their weapons and maneuvering became second nature.
The troops put up with all this because Maurice ensured regular pay.
Maurice was inspired by the Roman military and organized his troops into battalions of about 550 men, 250 pikemen plus 300 gunners.
Battalions were grouped by two into regiments and regiments by four into brigades.
They were divided into four companies with a higher number of officers than was common until then.
In battle, the units lined up as line infantry, 5 - 10 ranks deep in the center, 8 - 12 on the flanks.
The first rank would fire a volley and then retreat to let the second rank have a go.
This process could be repeated many times.
The battalions deployed in three lines, the first two staggered just like the Roman units and the third acting as a reserve.
Though most remembered for his innovations in army organization, Maurice gained his reputation in siege warfare.
He used river transport to quickly bring cannons to battle.
Throughout the 1590's CE, together with Simon Stevin, he captured many fortresses, solidifying the fledgeling Dutch Republic.
He avoided battle with the seasoned Spanish Tercios whenever possible.
Exceptions were the Battle of Turnhout in 1597 CE and Nieuwpoort in 1600 CE, which resulted in clear Dutch victories.
Maurice died in 1625 CE.
His position was taken over by his younger brother Frederick Henry.
War Matrix - Maurice of Nassau
Age of Discovery 1480 CE - 1620 CE, Generals and leaders