প্রাচীন স্পার্টার ক্রীতিদাস; অবজ্ঞাত ও পদদলিত শ্রেণীর লোক;
helot definition
A state-owned slave in ancient Sparta.
helot শব্দটির synonyms বা প্রতিশব্দ
helot Example in a sentence
In ancient Sparta, the helots were a class of enslaved people who worked the land and served the Spartan citizens.
The helots were primarily captured foreign populations or conquered locals who were not granted citizenship.
They were forced to live in harsh conditions and endured severe punishments for any perceived transgressions.
Despite their enslavement, the helots maintained a distinct culture and customs, often leading to tensions with the Spartans.
Helots outnumbered their Spartan overlords by approximately seven to one, creating a constant threat of rebellion.
To suppress potential uprisings, the Spartans implemented a policy of “Krupteia,” where young Spartan warriors would hunt and kill suspected helots at night.
The helot system played a crucial role in maintaining Sparta’s military strength, as it freed Spartan citizens from agricultural labor and allowed them to focus on warfare.
Over time, some helots gained their freedom and were incorporated into Spartan society as neodamodeis, infantry soldiers who fought alongside the Spartans.
The helot system eventually collapsed due to a combination of economic and military factors, leading to the gradual emancipation of the helots.
The word “helot” has become synonymous with any individual who is enslaved or subjugated, regardless of their specific historical context.