They were serfs (farmers bound to the land who paid a percentage of their crops to their master) on the land which Sparta had conquered and taken from. Each Spartan citizen was allocated seven helots to work his plot of this land, and this freed the Spartan to concentrate on matters military and physical fitness.
When Sparta sent out an expeditionary force, each warrior took seven helots along to be employed carrying loads and used as light infantry and archers. This had the additional effect of reducing the number of helots left at home to reduce the possibility of a helot uprising, which the Spartans were always mindful of.
Later on helots were used to bolster up the declining numbers of Spartan heavy infantry, and if successful were offered freedom from serfdom as an incentive.
Sparta grew soldiers. Fighting was so important in Spartan society that they didn't have time for any other resources, the helots dealt with those.
Sparta
The rebellion of helots in 650 B.C. caused Sparta to establish a military society. This revolution marked complete change in Spartan life.
Spartans needed to be able to keep helots at bay
They were conquered by Sparta, who made the people into serfs, who delivered half their crop to Sparta.
Sparta grew soldiers. Fighting was so important in Spartan society that they didn't have time for any other resources, the helots dealt with those.
Helots were crucial to Sparta's society as they provided the agricultural labor that allowed Spartan citizens to focus on military training and governance. As state-owned serfs, they worked the land and produced food, enabling Sparta to sustain its powerful army without diverting its citizens from their military duties. This reliance on helots also fostered a system of social control and fear, as the Spartans maintained strict oversight to prevent revolts. Overall, the helots were integral to Sparta's military-centric way of life and its dominance in ancient Greece.
Sparta
The rebellion of helots in 650 B.C. caused Sparta to establish a military society. This revolution marked complete change in Spartan life.
The Helots were not Spartan citizens ; they were essentially slaves .
Helots.
the Helots
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The Helots were a subjugated population in Laconia and Messenia, a territory controlled by Sparta
Spartans needed to be able to keep helots at bay
Slaves or enslaved people in Sparta were called helots.
helots