Helots facts for kids

The Helots were a large group of people who lived in ancient Sparta. They were not free citizens but were tied to the land. Most Helots lived in areas called Laconia and Messenia, which Sparta controlled. They worked mainly in farming and provided food and resources for the Spartan citizens.

Historians have different ideas about what Helots were exactly. Some say they were like slaves, while others believe they had a special status somewhere between free people and slaves. One thing is clear: the Spartans relied on the Helots for their economy.

The number of Helots was much larger than the number of Spartan citizens. For example, at the time of the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC, there were about seven Helots for every Spartan soldier. Because of this big difference in numbers, the Spartans were always worried about the Helots rebelling. They took strong steps to keep the Helots under control and prevent uprisings.

The Helots: People of Ancient Sparta

Who Were the Helots?

The Helots were a group of people who lived in the lands controlled by Sparta in ancient Greece. They were not free citizens. Instead, they were forced to work the land and support the Spartan way of life. They were a very important part of Spartan society because they grew the food that fed everyone.

The Helots lived in Laconia and Messenia, two regions ruled by Sparta. They were different from regular slaves because they belonged to the Spartan state, not to individual Spartans. They also lived in their own family groups and communities.

Life as a Helot

Life for the Helots was very difficult. The Spartans treated them harshly to make sure they stayed obedient. They were often made to wear special clothes, like caps made of dogskin and simple leather outfits. This was to remind them that they were not free.

Helots were sometimes forced to do silly dances or sing ridiculous songs at Spartan gatherings. This was done to show Spartan children what not to do. Some historians believe these harsh treatments became even worse after a big earthquake in 464 BC.

Helots were assigned to Spartan citizens to work on their farms, called klēroi. They had to give a set amount of their harvest to their Spartan masters. Whatever was left over, they could keep for themselves. This meant that some Helots could actually become somewhat wealthy. In 223 BC, for example, 6,000 Helots were able to buy their freedom.

Helots and Spartan Fear

The Spartans were always afraid that the Helots would rebel. This fear shaped many of their rules and customs. The Spartan philosopher Aristotle even said that the Helots were like "an enemy constantly sitting in wait" for the Spartans to make a mistake.

To keep the Helots in check, the Spartans took extreme measures. Every year, Spartan leaders would declare war on the Helots. This allowed young Spartan soldiers, part of a secret group called the Crypteia, to kill Helots without facing punishment. This was a brutal way to terrorize the Helots and prevent them from rising up.

Helots in Battle

Even though they were not free, Helots sometimes fought alongside Spartans in wars. They often served as light-armed soldiers or helped carry supplies and equipment for the Spartan hoplites (heavy-armed soldiers).

At the famous Battle of Plataea in 479 BC, many Helots were present. While they might not have fought in the main battle lines, they were crucial for supporting the Spartan army. They helped with logistics and other important tasks during campaigns.

Earning Freedom

Sometimes, Helots could earn their freedom, especially by serving in the military. This was called "emancipation." For example, during the Peloponnesian War, Spartans promised freedom to Helots who volunteered to help besieged Spartan soldiers.

In 424 BC, 700 Helots who fought with a Spartan general named Brasidas were set free. They became known as the "Brasidians." Helots who gained their freedom were often called "neodamodes," meaning "newly admitted to the people." They became part of the communities surrounding Sparta, known as the Perioeci.

Allowing Helots to become soldiers was a big deal. Being a hoplite was a key part of being a Greek citizen. When Helots became hoplites, it sometimes caused social problems because it blurred the lines between free citizens and the unfree.

Helot Rebellions

Despite the harsh control, Helots did try to rebel many times. These uprisings were a constant worry for the Spartans.

The Great Earthquake Revolt

One of the most famous Helot revolts happened after a massive earthquake in 464 BC. The earthquake caused huge damage in Sparta. The Helots, especially those from Messenia, saw this as a chance to fight for their freedom.

They gathered on Mount Ithome, a historic place of resistance for the Messenians. This revolt was a major challenge for Sparta. It took many years and the help of allies, including Athens, to finally put down the rebellion. This event also led to bad feelings between Athens and Sparta, which later contributed to the Peloponnesian War.

Athenian Support for Helots

During the Peloponnesian War, Athens tried to use the Helots against Sparta. The Athenians set up military bases near Spartan territory, like at Pylos and Kythera. From these bases, they encouraged Helots to run away and join them.

While these efforts caused problems for Sparta and led to some Helot desertions, they did not cause a full-scale Helot uprising like the one after the earthquake. The Spartans had to keep soldiers stationed to control these areas and prevent more Helots from escaping.

See also

• Classicide
• Sciritae
• Slavery in Ancient Greece
• Trophimoi