EPHEBI, a name given, in Athens and other Greek towns, to a class of young men from 18 to 20 years of age, who formed a sort of college under State control. On the completion of his 17th year the Athenian youth attained his civil majority, and, provided he belonged to the first three property classes and passed the scrutiny (dokimasia) as to age, civic descent and physical capa bility, was enrolled on the register of his deme. He thereby at once became liable to military training and duties. After admission to the college, the ephebus took the oath of allegiance and was sent to Munychia or Acte to form one of the garrison. At the end of the first year of training, the ephebi were reviewed, and, if their performance was satisfactory, were provided by the State with a spear and a shield, which, with the chlamus ("cloak") and petasos ("broad-brimmed hat"), made up their equipment. In their sec ond year they were transferred to other garrisons in Attica, patrolled the frontiers, and on occasion took an active part in war. During these two years they were free from taxation, and were not allowed to appear in the law courts as plaintiffs or defendants. During the Eleusinia they fetched the sacred objects from Eleusis and escorted the iz:age of Iacchus on the sacred way (see MYSTERY) .