Helots facts for kids

The helots (Greek: εἵλωτες, heílotes) were a large group of people who lived in Ancient Greece, mainly in the areas of Laconia and Messenia. These lands were ruled by the powerful city-state of Sparta. Helots were not completely free, but they were not like regular slaves either. They were tied to the land and worked mostly in farming. They grew food and other goods that helped support the Spartan citizens.

Historians have debated exactly what helots were. Some, like Critias, called them "slaves to the utmost." Others, like Pollux, said they were "between free men and slaves." What is clear is that helots were essential to Sparta's economy. They made up a large part of the population. For example, the historian Herodotus said there were seven helots for every one Spartan soldier during the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC. Because there were so many helots, the Spartans were always worried about them rebelling. To keep control, Spartans often treated helots very strictly and unfairly.

What Does "Helot" Mean?

The name "helot" has a few possible origins. Some ancient writers thought it came from the village of Helos in southern Sparta. They believed the people from Helos were the first to become helots.

Other experts think the word comes from an ancient Greek root meaning "to be captured" or "to be made prisoner." This idea suggests that the name described their status as a conquered group. For example, the people of Messenia became helots after Sparta conquered them in wars during the 8th century BC.

Life as a Helot

How Spartans Controlled Helots

Spartans were always concerned about the large number of helots. The historian Thucydides noted that many Spartan rules were made to keep the helots under control. The Spartans were often afraid of helot uprisings.

Helots were treated harshly. They were sometimes forced to wear special clothes, like a cap made of dogskin and simple leather wraps. They might also receive punishments just to remind them of their lower status. If a helot seemed too strong or independent, there could be severe consequences.

Spartans also sometimes forced helots to act foolishly in public gatherings. They would make them drink undiluted wine and perform silly dances or songs. This was done to make fun of them and show their low position in society.

To prevent rebellions, Spartan leaders (called ephors) made a special declaration each year. This allowed Spartans to control the helots very strictly, sometimes with harsh outcomes. A secret group called the Crypteia was also involved in keeping helots in check. This group was made up of young Spartan men who had completed their tough training.

One sad event happened around 425 BC. About 2,000 helots were promised freedom for their bravery in war. They celebrated their new freedom, but then they mysteriously disappeared. No one ever knew what happened to them.

Helots and Their Work

Helots were assigned to Spartan citizens to work on their farms, called klēroi. These farms were originally lands divided up after Sparta conquered Messenia. Helots also worked in homes, helping with daily tasks.

Helots had to give a set amount of their harvest to their Spartan masters. This was called apophorá. They could keep any extra food they grew. The lands in Laconia and Messenia were very fertile, often producing two crops a year. This meant helots could sometimes live reasonably well after paying their tribute. They could even own some personal property, like boats. In 223 BC, 6,000 helots were able to buy their freedom, which shows they could accumulate some wealth.

Helots and Their Families

Helots lived in family units and could marry each other. Unlike many other enslaved people in ancient Greece, helot families usually stayed together. This allowed their population to grow naturally. Over time, the number of helots increased, while the number of Spartan citizens decreased.

Historians estimate that helots were seven times more numerous than Spartans during the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC. By the early 4th century BC, the difference was even greater.

Spartans also used helot women to increase the number of people available for the state. Children born to Spartan fathers and helot mothers were called nothoi. These children held a middle rank in Spartan society and could join the army. The fate of girls born from these unions is not fully known.

Earning Freedom

It was possible for helots to gain their freedom, especially by serving in the military. The historian Thucydides mentions that during a siege at Sphacteria, Spartans offered freedom to helots who volunteered to bring supplies to their trapped soldiers.

Later, during a Theban invasion, Spartans again offered freedom to helots who joined the army. More than 6,000 helots volunteered. Helots who gained freedom were often called "neodamodes" (νεοδαμώδεις), meaning "new members of the community." They often joined the Perioeci, who were free but not full Spartan citizens.

Allowing helots to become soldiers, especially hoplites (heavily armed foot soldiers), was a big change for Sparta. Being a hoplite was a key part of Greek citizenship. This practice sometimes led to social challenges within Sparta.

Helots in Battle

Helots often accompanied Spartan soldiers in battles, like at Thermopylae and Plataea. They served as helpers and sometimes fought as lightly armed soldiers. Herodotus suggested that helots made up a large part of the army, with seven helots for every Spartan at Plataea.

Historians believe that while Herodotus's numbers might be exaggerated, helots were definitely present on the battlefield. Besides fighting, helots likely guarded supply lines for the armies.

Major Helot Uprisings

The Great Earthquake and Revolt

One of the most significant helot revolts happened after a massive earthquake in 464 BC. This earthquake caused huge damage in Sparta. Helots and other groups, especially those from Messenia, took advantage of the chaos to rebel. They gathered at Mount Ithome, a historic place of Messenian resistance.

This revolt was a very traumatic event for the Spartans. It showed them how dangerous a large helot population could be. Some historians believe that the harsh treatment of helots, including the actions of the Crypteia, became even stricter after this major uprising. The Spartans even asked their allies, including Athens, for help to put down the rebellion.

Athenian Outposts

During the Peloponnesian War, Athens tried to encourage helots to desert Sparta. They set up military bases, called outposts, in Spartan territory. For example, at Pylos, Athenians settled Messenians who had been freed. These Messenians raided the area and encouraged helots to leave their Spartan masters.

Another outpost was at Kythira. Here, the Athenians hoped to cause a large uprising among the helots of Laconia. While some helots did desert, it did not lead to a major rebellion like the one after the earthquake.

See also

• Classicide
• Sciritae
• Perioeci
• Slavery in Ancient Greece
• Trophimoi