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.
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 .
the Helots
get money get paid
Helots.
Yes, Sparta had slaves, known as helots. The helots were a subjugated population primarily made up of people from conquered regions like Messenia and Laconia. Unlike typical slaves in other societies, helots were not individually owned but were considered property of the Spartan state. They worked the land and produced food, which supported the Spartan citizens (the Spartiates), allowing them to focus on military training and governance. The relationship between Spartans and helots was complex and often harsh. Helots were frequently oppressed and humiliated to keep them subservient, and Spartans would sometimes engage in rituals and even organized killings to instill fear and prevent rebellion. Despite their low status, helots were crucial to Sparta's economy and society, enabling the city-state to maintain its intense military culture.
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