13. In Ancient Athens, young men had to address a special court and prove they were worthy of becoming adult citizens
Young men of good standing in Ancient Athens were expected to enter public service. Given their social status, it was simply assumed they would be up to the job. However, their bloodline needed to be confirmed before they could join the ranks of the privileged epheboi, or free young adult males. This is where the Dokimasia came in. Here, young males would be questioned on their parents, grandparents and other relatives. If the members of the Dokimasia were convinced that both sides of the candidate’s family were pure Athenian citizens, he would be permitted to go from being a boy to being a young man.
The Domaskia also assessed the young candidate’s physical prowess. If he was deemed fit enough, he would be expected to undertake military service. If not, then he would be expected to take over his family business or assume a role in public life. As such, the candidate’s mental capacity might also be assessed by the Dokimasia. Notably, all young males were expected to be grilled by the Dokimasia before they could move on from being ‘boys’. Even the sons of the Boule – the Council of 500 who ran Athens – needed to undertake this vital rite of passage.