helotia

Helotia, also known as helotry, was a system of forced labor and slavery practiced in ancient Sparta, Greece. The term "helot" comes from the Greek word for "slave." Helots were a class of people who were not full citizens and were subject to forced labor for the benefit of the Spartan state. They were often prisoners of war, criminals, or the descendants of such individuals. Helots were not allowed to own land or participate in the Spartan political system, and they were required to provide labor for the Spartan army and other state projects.

The origins of helotry are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have begun during the 7th century BCE. The system was formalized during the 6th century BCE, with the establishment of the helotry system by the Spartan king Cleomenes I. Under this system, helots were divided into two categories: those who were free to move within a specific area and those who were permanently attached to a Spartan household.

Helotry was a controversial and controversial system, as it was seen as a form of slavery and a violation of the principles of Greek democracy. Despite this, it remained in place for centuries, and it was not until the 4th century BCE that the Spartan king Agis IV attempted to abolish it. However, the attempt was unsuccessful, and helotry continued until the end of the Spartan state in 146 BCE.

The legacy of helotry is still felt in modern Greece, as the term "helot" is still used to refer to a person who is subject to forced labor or slavery. The system also had a significant impact on the development of Spartan society and politics, and it remains an important topic of study for historians and scholars of ancient Greece.