A massive change for the military forces of Athens came in Epicrates' law of 335/4 regarding the ephebeia (training for young men). A unit of 1000 epilektoi, (chosen men, hoplites) was created sometime after 360, and these men were professionals. Some men also served during 370s as peripoloi, garrisons of fortresses and border guards, probably equipped as peltasts. Yet with Epicrates' law, every man who had reached the age of eighteen now had to serve a mandatory military service for two years. The state paid for training, instructors, and provisions. Ephebes worked on their physical condition, sporting events, and military competitions such as the hoplitodromos (a race in hoplite armour), and training with hoplite arms, javelin throwing, archery, and catapult shooting. During their first year of service, ephebes were stationed…
