Helot

Real World Example

Helots were the subjugated population of Laconia and Messenia in ancient Sparta, essentially serving as serfs to Spartan citizens. They played a crucial role by working the land and providing food, which allowed Spartans to focus on military training and governance. This system helped Sparta become a powerful military state, influencing Greek politics and culture during that era. Today, the helots' legacy reminds us of the importance of labor and how essential workers contribute to society's functioning, akin to how farmers and essential workers keep our communities running. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, grocery store workers and delivery drivers became vital, similar to how helots supported Spartan society.