Welcome to Spartan Society!
To understand Sparta between 478 and 404 BC, you have to imagine a society that was structured like a very rigid pyramid. Unlike Athens, where democracy was the "big idea," Sparta was built on a strict hierarchy where everyone had a specific place. This social structure wasn't just about class; it was designed to ensure that the Spartan military stayed powerful and that the state remained stable.
In these notes, we will look at the three main groups of people in Sparta: the Spartiates, the Perioikoi, and the Helots, as well as the unique role of Spartan women.
Quick Tip: If you find this confusing, just remember: The Spartiates fought, the Perioikoi made things, and the Helots farmed.
1. The Spartiates (The "Equals")
At the very top of the pyramid were the Spartiates. They called themselves the Homoioi, which literally translates to "The Equals" or "Those who are alike."
Who were they?
They were the full citizens of Sparta. However, being a Spartiate was a full-time job. They were forbidden from doing any manual labor or trade. Their entire lives were dedicated to the state and the military.
What were the requirements?
To remain a Spartiate, you had to:
• Complete the agoge (the famous Spartan education system).
• Be a member of a syssitia (a common mess/dining club) and contribute a certain amount of food every month.
• Obey the Spartan laws and show courage in battle.
The Problem of "Oliganthropia": Over time, the number of Spartiates began to drop. This is called oliganthropia (shortage of men). Because the requirements were so strict, if a man became too poor to contribute to his mess, he lost his citizenship. This created a major problem for Sparta's military power later in the Peloponnesian War.
Key Takeaway: The Spartiates were an elite warrior class who relied entirely on others to provide their food and equipment.
2. The Perioikoi (The "Dwellers-Around")
The Perioikoi were the "middle class" of the Spartan world. They were free people who lived in the towns and villages surrounding the city of Sparta.
What was their role?
Because Spartiates weren't allowed to work, the Perioikoi were essential. They were the ones who:
• Handled trade and commerce.
• Manufactured goods, including the famous Spartan bronze shields and weapons.
• Served as heavy infantry (hoplites) alongside the Spartiates in the army.
Their Status
They were free but they were not citizens. They couldn't vote in the Spartan assembly or hold high political office. However, they were generally loyal to Sparta because they enjoyed economic freedom and protection.
Did you know? The Perioikoi are often overlooked, but without their craftsmen and traders, the Spartan military machine would have ground to a halt!
3. The Helots (The Serfs)
At the bottom of the pyramid were the Helots. They were not exactly slaves (who could be bought and sold by individuals), but rather state-owned serfs. Most were Greeks from Laconia and Messenia who had been conquered by Sparta.
Life as a Helot
The Helots did all the hard manual labor. They farmed the land owned by the Spartiates and were required to give a large portion of their crops to their Spartan masters. This system allowed the Spartiates to focus entirely on war.
Keeping Control: The Krypteia and Revolts
The Spartans were always outnumbered by the Helots, which made them terrified of a revolution. To keep control, they used:
• The Krypteia: A "secret police" made up of young Spartan men. According to ancient sources like Plutarch, members of the krypteia were sent out into the countryside to spy on the Helots and kill any who seemed too strong or rebellious.
• The Earthquake Revolt (465-464 BC): This is a crucial event for your exams. After a massive earthquake hit Sparta, the Helots launched a huge revolt. It was so serious that Sparta had to ask other Greek states (including Athens) for help. This event shaped Spartan foreign policy for decades.
Key Takeaway: Spartan society was built on the exploitation of the Helots. The fear of a Helot uprising (as seen in 465 BC) was a major factor in every decision the Spartan government made.
4. Spartan Women
Spartan women had a very different life compared to women in other parts of Greece, like Athens. Their main role was to give birth to healthy Spartan warriors, but this gave them a surprisingly high status.
Education and Freedom
Unlike Athenian women, Spartan girls were given a state-run education. They practiced athletics, including running, wrestling, and throwing the discus. The idea was that physically strong mothers would produce physically strong sons.
Land and Wealth
By the end of the 5th century BC, many Spartan women became very wealthy. Because so many men were away at war or dying in battle, women often inherited land. Aristotle later criticized Sparta because he claimed women ended up owning two-fifths of the land!
Evidence Alert: We have archaeological evidence for the active life of Spartan women, such as a bronze figurine of a woman (currently in the British Museum) that shows a Spartan girl running or dancing.
Summary Table: The Social Pyramid
Group: Spartiates (Homoioi)
Status: Full Citizens
Main Role: Full-time soldiers and political leaders.
Group: Perioikoi
Status: Free non-citizens
Main Role: Craftsmen, traders, and auxiliary soldiers.
Group: Helots
Status: State-owned serfs
Main Role: Farmers and domestic laborers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Don't confuse Helots with slaves: Remember, Helots belonged to the Spartan state, not to individual masters. They lived in their own communities.
• Don't forget the Perioikoi: Students often focus only on Spartiates and Helots. The Perioikoi were vital for the economy and the army!
• Don't assume women were soldiers: While Spartan women were physically trained and very influential, they did not fight in the army.
Quick Review Questions
1. What was the krypteia, and what was its purpose?
2. Why did the number of Spartiates (the oliganthropia) decrease over time?
3. How did the Helot revolt of 465 BC change how Sparta viewed its security?
4. What made the Perioikoi different from the Spartiates?
For more information on how these groups interacted in the government, see the chapter on "The political structure of Sparta." For more on how they were trained, see "Education in Sparta."