10. Social Hierarchy in Sparta

Date: 23 March 2024
Time: 15:22:22 CET
Topic: 10. Social Hierarchy in Sparta
Tags: Ancient Greece, Sparta, Social Class, Spartiates, Perioeci, Helots, Dorians, Military, Slavery, Serfdom, Achaeans, Oppression, Social Structure

The Spartan Citizens

The true Spartans, known as Spartiates, were the elite descendants of the conquerors of Laconia. They were few in number, representing a minor segment of the population, and were of Dorian heritage in both ethnicity and language. Their stance towards the subjugated was akin to that of a permanent military force. The city of Sparta served as their stronghold, resembling a large military encampment, which remained unwalled until the decline of Spartan society. The Spartans believed that their military prowess was the sole and sufficient defense of their city.

The Perioeci

The Perioeci, or ‘those who live around,’ formed the intermediary class of subdued Achaeans. They retained ownership of their lands yet were obligated to pay tributes and serve in wars, fighting for the prestige and interests of their Spartan overlords.

The Helots

At the bottom of the social structure were the Helots, essentially slaves or serfs who primarily worked on the lands owned by Spartans. They were considered assets of the state rather than personal property of the Spartan nobility and were allocated among the Spartans by lot.

The Helots were denied any rights that the Spartans were compelled to acknowledge. Any Helot exhibiting exceptional physical or intellectual abilities was clandestinely eliminated, as such traits were perceived as threats if developed within this oppressed class. It is recorded that, to maintain state security, the Helots were periodically culled through systematic massacres when their population became excessively large.