Spartan Society

Question 1

What are Helots?

Answer 1

Helots were originally Ionians, they were enslaved by the invading dorians. They had no rights, they were slaves

Question 2

What are the Periokoi

Answer 2

Limited self government, they had to obey Spartan Masters. Originally Dorians, responsible for trade : Merchants, Blacksmith, fishermen etc. Had to go to war alongside Sparta. In total their was about 100 communities.

Question 3

What are the Spartiates?

Answer 3

They were Spartans, the spartans were top of society. Also known as ‘equals’ or ‘homoioi’. They became full citizens at 30. They were supported by the state and given some land and helots to work on it.

Question 4

What are the inferiors?

Answer 4

They were neither slaves nor citizens, they were 4 categories of inferiors they are:

Partheniai; The illegitimate children of spartan fathers and helot mothers.

Mothaces; Sons Of Helots, adopted as play mates for spartan boys

Neodamodeis; helots who had won freedom by their bravery in battle

Tresantes; These were the Spartans who had been scrapped of their citizenships because of their cowerdice in battle.