Thermopylae:Advance!

[hoplite14gr]

Actually I said "might" which means that I was arguing like Paul Klos that winning a contest adds prestige and increase chances for public office.
Skythians on pottery appear and after the time of Peisistratos.
Yes they were employed as policemen. But Athens was in ruins before Platea.
As a state resource this slaves would be commited to the war effort and when the city was back in order they would return to their normal duties.
Ancient Greeks made the distinction beteween DOYLOS=intenured servant and ANDRAPODON= slave (literaly "walking thing").

Parnitha free Athenian herders were more likely to serve as slingers/javelineers. Only Cretan mercenaries were distinct as archers but Cretans stay neutral at the Persian Wars.
Parnitha herders of some note would also serve as hoplites sporting the white boar of the Poimenidae clans on their shields.

The horse archers of the Athenians might be Skythians but there was also Thracian light horse using bows so they cannot be ruled out in my opinion.
I feel though that Skythians might be more likely. The extent of Athenian trade network was enought ot allow thme choice between mercenaries or bought slaves.

Kind regards