Third Messenian War

Quick Facts: Who was Third Messenian War?

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Third Messenian War

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Subjugated population of Laconia and Messenia, forming the economic backbone of Sparta.

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Origins & Early Life

The helots (; Greek: εἵλωτες, heílotes) were a subjugated group that constituted a majority of the population of Laconia and Messenia – the territories ruled by Sparta in Ancient Greece. There has been controversy since antiquity as to their exact characteristics, such as whether they constituted an Ancient Greek tribe, a social class, or both. For example, Critias described helots as "slaves to the utmost", whereas according to Pollux, they occupied a status "between free men and slaves". Tied to the land, they primarily worked in agriculture as a majority and economically supported the Spartan citizens. The proportion of helots in relation to Spartan citizens varied throughout the history of the Spartan state; according to Herodotus, there were seven helots for each of the 5,000 Spartan soldiers at the time of the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC.

Career & Major Achievements

Thus the need to keep the helot population in check and to prevent rebellion were major concerns of the Spartans. Helots were ritually mistreated and humiliated. Every autumn the Spartan polis declared war on the helots, allowing them to be killed and abused by members of the Crypteia without fear of religious repercussion. Uprisings and attempts to improve the lot of the helots did occur, such as the conspiracy of Cinadon of 399 BC. Plato on the other hand does not mention the killings by the Crypteia at all in Laws.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The population was largely liberated by the Theban commander Epaminondas following the Theban-Spartan War. Several theories exist regarding the origin of the name "helot". According to Hellanicus, the word relates to the village of Helos, in the south of Sparta. Pausanias thus states, "Its inhabitants became the first slaves of the Lacedaemonian state, and were the first to be called helots". This explanation is, however, not very plausible in etymological terms.

Notable Quotes by Third Messenian War

“most Spartan institutions have always been designed with a view to security against the Helots”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Third Messenian War

True or False: “The helot status was solely determined by military defeat in major wars like the Messenian Wars.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While conquest was a factor, some scholars suggest the term also indicated servitude for Lacedaemonians who did not participate in expeditions.

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