How Many Soldiers Did Ancient Athens Have?

Athens had no standing army. Military service was a citizen obligation (metics and slaves excluded).

Mobilization Capacity

• Peak (5th c. BCE): ~30,000 hoplites (heavy infantry) + 1,200 cavalry + 1,600 archers + light troops.
• Navy: 300–400 triremes at height (Salamis, 480 BCE) → ~60,000 rowers (thetes, metics, hired).
• Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE): Fielded ~13,000 hoplites for land campaigns; navy primary.

System

• Hoplites: Property-owning citizens (zeugitai, hippeis) providing own armor.
• Thêtes: Landless; served as rowers or light infantry.
• Strategoi: 10 elected generals commanded.
• Ephebic training: 2-year cadet service for 18–20 yr olds (from 335 BCE).

Numbers fluctuated with citizenship rolls, war losses, and political crises. Athens' power was naval, not land-based.