Question

define what a helot is and define what it is not in simple terms

Answer 1

A **helot** was a member of a subjugated population in ancient Sparta, primarily consisting of people who were originally from Messenia and were forced into servitude. Helots worked the land and served the Spartan citizens, who were free and often referred to as Spartans or Spartiates. The helots were tied to the land and could be treated harshly by their Spartan masters.

In simple terms, a helot is:

- **What it is:** A forced laborer or servant in ancient Sparta, owned by the state and responsible for agricultural work.

- **What it is not:** A free citizen or equal member of society; they had no political rights or personal freedom, unlike the citizen class in Sparta.