Ephebeia

in ancient Greece, a state institution organized to train freeborn youths between the ages of 18 and 20 for military and administrative service. The first year of training, which was devoted to sports and the acquisition of military skills, was carried out under camp conditions; the second year was taken up by garrison and other forms of guard duty. The ephebeia in Athens, in contrast to that in Sparta, offered instruction in literature, philosophy, and music. After completing his training in the ephebeia, a youth enjoyed all the rights and privileges of citizenship.