Boiotian Neaniskoi
Spearmen Infantry(0.6.7)Side / Back
Short description
These young men make up for their lack of experience with their enthusiasm and love for Boiotia.
Description
These young men make up for their lack of experience with their enthusiasm and love for Boiotia.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The term νεανίσκοι meant young men, usually both the νέοι, "new men", who were over 18 and thus on their way to full adulthood, and the younger ephebes, who, in a military sense, encompassed the boys from age 16-18 (or, possibly, 15-17). At 16, a young man would start acquiring the rights of adults, but he would only finish this process in his late 20s, when he was finally given the right to vote in the ekklesia, the people's assembly of his polis.
Ephebes and Neoi received a wide education: from literature and natural philosophy to sports and military training. A young Greek man was often also an Eromenos, the lover and pupil of an older citizen, an Erastes. The older men would, among other things, pass down their military experience to the youngsters, preparing them for their training and the scenes of battle.
In the cities of the Boiotian League, all sons of citizens entered the military corps of the Neaniskoi at age 15 or 16. They trained to fight as javelinmen, archers and Hoplites, and would serve at least two years in the Ephebeia, manning watch towers and garrisons, patrolling or participating in mock battles (Inscription Roesch 1972, 66, ll. 15-16; with Roesch, Études 1982). Contrary to popular belief, vases from the 6th century BC onwards show that relationships between the boys were common, which might have contributed to a strong esprit de corps, as it did for the famous Theban Sacred Band, also from Boiotia.
When the Boiotian League reformed its military institutions after the defeat against the Aitolians at the Battle of Chaironeia in 245 BC, it seems to also have reviewed the Ephebeia. According to Post (Military Policy 2012, p. 97), the leaders of the cities agreed to (re-)introduce compulsory military training before and armed competition during the Pamboiotian Games for all teenage sons of Boiotian citizens. There even exists some evidence that the Ephebes also trained for cavalry service, in contrast to the standard practice in other Greek states (Post 2012, p. 100). This could well be explained by Boiotia’s strong traditions in horse riding, and would have been of benefit for its mounted forces.
Armed with javelins, a Hoplite spear and Aspis, these young men can be deployed for various roles on the battlefield, but they should be protected from heavier enemy units as they don't wear much armour. Due to their youth they are bold, ferocious, and strong runners; but equally inexperienced and unused to the terrors of a real fight.