The Spartans invaded Messenia primarily to secure land for agriculture and resources to support their growing population. The invasion, which began in the 8th century BCE, led to the subjugation of the Messenians, who became serfs known as helots. This conquest allowed Sparta to establish a strong economic base and maintain its militaristic society, as the helots provided the necessary labor for Spartan citizens to focus on warfare and training. The ongoing tension between Spartans and helots was a critical aspect of Spartan society and military strategy.
Helots in Sparta were primarily enslaved through conquest and subjugation. They were originally the indigenous population of Messenia, which the Spartans conquered in the 8th century BCE. Following their defeat, the Messenian people were reduced to a subservient status, providing agricultural labor and supporting the Spartan economy. This system allowed Spartans to focus on military training and governance while relying on the labor of the helots.
Spartans acquired a large number of slaves, known as helots, primarily through military conquest. When they conquered the neighboring region of Messenia in the 8th century BCE, they subjugated the local population, turning them into helots who worked the land and served the Spartan citizens. Additionally, the Spartans maintained control over the helots through a system of terror and oppression, ensuring they remained subservient and unable to revolt. This reliance on helots was crucial for maintaining the Spartan economy and military readiness, as it allowed Spartan citizens to focus on warfare and governance.
The helots were a subjugated population in ancient Sparta, primarily consisting of the indigenous people of Laconia and Messenia. They were bound to the land and worked as agricultural laborers, providing food and resources for the Spartan citizens. Unlike slaves, they were not owned by individuals but were collectively controlled by the state, allowing Spartans to focus on military training and governance. The relationship between Spartans and helots was marked by oppression, and there were frequent uprisings due to their harsh treatment.
Two battles actually, one to Thebes, and then again to the Romans when they conquered all of Greece.Another view:The Spartans lost quite a few battles, from early struggles in the Peloponnese, Messenia when they had to call in the Athenians to help them recover, Sphacteria after which they called a truce with Athens, several sea battles, through to the defeat at Corinth, then against Thebes at Leuctra, and as a waning power, losses during the 2nd Century BCE after which Sparta became militarily impotent.
Because they were from Sparta.
Messenia was in the southwest of the Peloponnesian Peninsula in southern Greece. Sparta was to the east. The Spartans decided to extend their territory and moved into Messenia and successfully conquered it. Having taken over the land, they made the population into serfs, that is the serfs farmed the land and turned over half their produce to Sparta, which allowed the Spartans to devote their time to military training and activities, and keeping control of the restive serfs.
The Spartans captured Messenia, and reduced the populace to serfs (bound to the land to work it, not slaves).
Sparta turned its people into serfs who gave half their produce to Sparta. So supported, the Spartans were able to devote their own time to training for war,
Messenia is an area or district in the Peloponnese or lower part of ancient Greece.
Archaeological Museum of Messenia was created in 2009.
Firstly by conquering Messenia and reducing its population to serfdom, thus providing an economic base which allowed Spartans to concentrate on military training and become a strong military power.Secondly, from that base by defeating their rivals, persuading most to become allies, and using that power bloc, to neutralise the remainder.
The result was a Spartan victory. Messenia was depopulated by the emigration of the Achaeans to other states. Those who did not emigrate were reduced socially to helots or serfs.
Spartans primarily obtained goods through a combination of agriculture, trade, and conquest. The fertile land of Laconia and Messenia allowed them to cultivate essential crops, while the helots, a subjugated population, provided labor for farming. Additionally, Spartans engaged in trade with other city-states and regions to acquire goods they could not produce themselves, such as luxury items. Their military conquests also expanded their resources and access to goods.
Firstly by conquering Messenia and reducing its population to serfdom, thus providing an economic base which allowed Spartans to concentrate on military training and become a strong military power.Secondly, from that base by defeating their rivals, persuading most to become allies, and using that power bloc, to neutralise the remainder.
The Spartans were the military of the city-state of Sparta.They were the citizens of the city-state of Ancient Greece called Sparta in the region of Laconia. They were known in ancient times as Lakedaimonians,which is broad term for the city that consisted of five villages,and neighboring populated areas.
Helots in Sparta were primarily enslaved through conquest and subjugation. They were originally the indigenous population of Messenia, which the Spartans conquered in the 8th century BCE. Following their defeat, the Messenian people were reduced to a subservient status, providing agricultural labor and supporting the Spartan economy. This system allowed Spartans to focus on military training and governance while relying on the labor of the helots.
In Sparta, the status of the helots resulted from the conquest and subjugation of the neighboring Messenian population. After defeating Messenia in the 8th century BCE, the Spartans enslaved the Messenians, turning them into helots who were forced to work the land and support the Spartan economy. This system allowed Spartans to focus on military training and governance while maintaining a constant fear of helot revolts, which shaped Spartan society and its militaristic culture.