Helots

Helots were a subjugated class of people in ancient Sparta, primarily made up of conquered Messenian and Laconian populations. They were essentially serfs or state-owned serfs, forced to work the land and produce food for the Spartan state. Helots had limited rights and were often subject to harsh control and repression to prevent rebellion. Their status was hereditary, and they formed the economic backbone of Sparta, but they were also a constant source of tension and unrest due to their lack of freedom.