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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.

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Did Sparta have more slaves than Athens?

Yes, Sparta relied on a system of slaves called helots who were more numerous than the free citizens; in fact, the helots greatly outnumbered the Spartan citizens. In contrast, Athens also had slaves but fewer in number compared to the free population.


How are slaves in Sparta treated in Sparta?

In Sparta, slaves were known as helots and were considered the property of the state. Helots were subjected to harsh treatment, forced labor, and were often mistreated by their Spartan masters. They lived in a state of perpetual servitude and had limited rights and freedoms.


What name refers to the slaves who worked at hard labor in the city-state of Sparta?

The slaves who worked at hard labor in Sparta were known as Helots. They were primarily tasked with agricultural labor and served as a labor force for the Spartans.


Was life in Athens and Sparta the same for everyone?

No, life in Athens and Sparta was not the same for everyone. In Athens, only male citizens had full rights and participated in the democratic process, while women, slaves, and foreigners had fewer rights. In Sparta, the social system revolved around the military, and all citizens underwent rigorous military training, while slaves known as helots performed manual labor.


What are two differences and two similarities between Athens and Sparta?

Two differences between Athens and Sparta are their forms of government (Athens had a democracy while Sparta had an oligarchy) and their focus on military training (Sparta emphasized military training from a young age while Athens did not). Two similarities are their use of slaves for labor and their belief in the importance of physical fitness.