The society of Ancient Sparta was divided into three main classes. At the top of society were Spartiate. Following the Spartiate were the perioeci and at the bottom, were the helots.
The Spartiate were like the native Spartans in Sparta.The Spartiate were those who could trace their ancestry back to the original, or first inhabitants of the city. they enjoyed all of the political and legal rights of the state. They were also the only ones who could participate in politics. They served in the military, led the military and ran Sparta.
Underneath the Spartiate were the perioeci. The perioeci were foreigners that divided the Spartiate and helots. Due to this primary function, they had many rights and could own land. Although they had to pay taxes, life was swell for the peroeci. The perioeci also had the right to learn how to read and write. They served in the military, as everyone else did, and were in charge of the trade and communication with Sparta's neighbors.
At the very bottom of society were the helots. The helots were very disliked by the Spartans. The helots came from what the Spartans call Helos. Helos was south of Sparta, but due to Sparta's growing population, Sparta began to expand its territory when they came to a village (Helos). They invaded this village, killed its inhabitants and took some as prisoners. The helots were used as slaves, but were able to earn their freedom by joining the military. Even if they earned their freedom, they were still treated like dirty helots. A few times each year it became legal in Sparta to kill any helot, even if they were free.
So, Ancient Spartan society contained three main social classes. The Spartiate were those who could trace back their ancestry to the original inhabitants of Sparta. Therefore, they were at the top. Next, were the perioeci. They divided the Spartiate from the helots and were granted many rights. Lastly, were the helots. They were slaves and at the bottom of society.
The Spartiate were like the native Spartans in Sparta.The Spartiate were those who could trace their ancestry back to the original, or first inhabitants of the city. they enjoyed all of the political and legal rights of the state. They were also the only ones who could participate in politics. They served in the military, led the military and ran Sparta.
Underneath the Spartiate were the perioeci. The perioeci were foreigners that divided the Spartiate and helots. Due to this primary function, they had many rights and could own land. Although they had to pay taxes, life was swell for the peroeci. The perioeci also had the right to learn how to read and write. They served in the military, as everyone else did, and were in charge of the trade and communication with Sparta's neighbors.
At the very bottom of society were the helots. The helots were very disliked by the Spartans. The helots came from what the Spartans call Helos. Helos was south of Sparta, but due to Sparta's growing population, Sparta began to expand its territory when they came to a village (Helos). They invaded this village, killed its inhabitants and took some as prisoners. The helots were used as slaves, but were able to earn their freedom by joining the military. Even if they earned their freedom, they were still treated like dirty helots. A few times each year it became legal in Sparta to kill any helot, even if they were free.
So, Ancient Spartan society contained three main social classes. The Spartiate were those who could trace back their ancestry to the original inhabitants of Sparta. Therefore, they were at the top. Next, were the perioeci. They divided the Spartiate from the helots and were granted many rights. Lastly, were the helots. They were slaves and at the bottom of society.
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