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In ancient Sparta, the ratio of helots (a state-owned serf or slave) to citizens (Spartan free-born males) was estimated to be around 7 to 1. The helots served as a labor force for the citizens, working the land and producing goods. They also outnumbered the citizens significantly, leading to a system of control and fear by the Spartan state.

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Was the Helots citizens of Sparta?

The Helots were not Spartan citizens ; they were essentially slaves .


Can you use helots in a sentence?

The ancient Spartans used serfs that they called 'helots' to do the work and keep their economy running.


What was the relashionship between the perioeci and the helots?

The helots were serfs who delivered half their produce to the Spartan state. The perioeci (people living about) were free landowners within the Spartan domain but not citizens.


Spartan half-citizens were free but?

Spartan half-citizens were free, but they could not have any political power. They were the second-class citizens below the nobles and above the helots that were slaves.


Did Sparta have slaves?

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.


What were the three groups of people that lived in Sparta?

helots, fee noncitizens, and citizens how are either soldiers or are training soldiers


Who did the helots work for?

The helots were a subjugated population in ancient Sparta, primarily working for the Spartan citizens known as Spartiates. They were responsible for agricultural labor, providing food and resources to sustain the Spartan society. Helots were bound to the land they worked on and could not leave, effectively serving the needs of the Spartan military and economy.


How did Spartans get so many slaves?

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.


What did Spartans call their slaves?

Helots


In what ways did helots enable Spartan men to become a warrior class?

The helots (serfs) farmed the land and delivered half their produce to Spartan state. This was distributed to the Spartan citizens who were thus able to devote their time to physical fitness and military activities.


Is Sparta a direct or representative democracy?

Neither. Sparta was an oligarchy where nobles of a certain rank had direct power of the citizens and non-citizens (helots) in Sparta. Citizens who were not from these noble families and non-citizens had no power to promote their views.You are likely thinking of Athens which was a direct democracy.


How did the Greeks use helots?

Depends. What the heck are helots?