who were the helots
Definition: In the ancient Peloponnese, Helots were area residents exploited, like the proverbial serf, by the ancient Spartans. The origins of the helots are disputed. One theory is that when the Spartans realized they needed more arable land they looked to the southwest to the more fertile soil of Messenia. The helots were conquered Laconians whom the Spartans made subservient.