The helots (/ ˈhɛləts, ˈhiːləts /; Greek: εἵλωτες, heílotes) were a subjugated group that constituted a majority of the population of Laconia and Messenia – the territories ruled by Sparta in …

helot, a state-owned serf of the ancient Spartans. The ethnic origin of helots is uncertain, but they were probably the original inhabitants of Laconia (the area around the Spartan capital) who …

Nov 26, 2025 · According to the Greek geographer Pausanias, the Helots hailed from a city called Helos. This city is said to have been conquered by the Spartans, and its inhabitants became …

At the bottom of this social pyramid were the helots. In practical terms, while the full citizens were busy with military training and running the city, the helots produced the food for the city-state. …

Feb 7, 2025 · The Helots were more than mere slaves; they were bound to the land they worked on, providing sustenance for the Spartan state. Despite their critical role in sustaining Spartan …

Helots were a subjugated population in ancient Sparta, primarily comprised of people from Messenia, who were forced to work the land and serve the Spartan citizens.

The helots were the slaves of the Spartans. Distributed in family groups across the landholdings of Spartan citizens in Laconia and Messenia, helots performed the labour that was the bedrock …

In the annals of ancient Greek history, the city-state of Sparta stands out for its unique social structure and military prowess. Central to this formidable society were the Helots, a subjugated …

Dec 10, 2024 · According to Herodotus, helots fought alongside Spartans against the Persians in the famous Battle of Platea (479 BC), helping the Greeks score a decisive victory. There were …

Helots occupied a unique social status between free citizens and slaves. They were considered the property of the Spartan state and were primarily agricultural laborers.