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

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 were reduced to servility after the conquest of their land by the numerically fewer Dorians.

Dec 29, 2024 · Spartan Helots had families and aided in war. From sustaining Sparta’s economy to fortifying Mount Ithome, their resilience shaped history. The ancient Greek city state of Sparta had a social hierarchy that was different from many of its neighbors.

Yet, beneath the gleaming armor of the Spartiate warriors lies a darker, often overlooked aspect of Spartan society—the helots. These enslaved people formed the backbone of the Spartan economy and, paradoxically, both enabled and constrained the city-state's ambitions.

Feb 7, 2025 · In ancient Sparta, the Helots formed a subjugated population primarily responsible for agricultural and domestic labour. Originating mainly from conquered regions like Messenia, the Helots were essential to the Spartan economy, allowing the Spartan citizens to dedicate themselves to rigorous military training and maintaining their formidable army.

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 on which Spartiate leisure and wealth rested.

Feb 2, 2019 · They were the helots, the subjugated and conquered people, the slaves of Sparta. Nobody knows exactly what the term “Helot” actually means. Some say it came from the village called Helos that was conquered by the angry Spartans.

In Ancient Sparta, the Helots were a subjugated population of slaves. Formerly warriors, the Helots outnumbered the Spartans considerably. During the time of the Battle of Plataea, which took place in 479 B.C., there were seven Helots for every Spartan.

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 seven helots for...

The meaning of HELOT is a member of a class of serfs in ancient Sparta.