Perioikoi

Definition

Perioikoi were free, non-citizen inhabitants of ancient Sparta who lived in the surrounding regions known as Laconia and Messenia. They played a vital role in Spartan society by serving as artisans, traders, and light infantry soldiers while being excluded from full political rights and citizenship. Their existence highlighted the unique social structure of Sparta, which was heavily reliant on both the helots for labor and the perioikoi for economic and military support.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Perioikoi had a degree of autonomy and managed their own local affairs but were still under the control of Spartan authority.
2. They were essential for Sparta's economy, providing necessary goods and services, as well as contributing to military efforts when called upon.
3. Unlike helots, perioikoi were not tied to the land and could own property, which allowed them to engage in trade and crafts.
4. The relationship between perioikoi and Spartans was complex; while they provided important support, they were often viewed with suspicion by the ruling class.
5. The existence of perioikoi showcased Sparta's reliance on a multi-layered social system that included citizens, non-citizen residents, and state-owned serfs.

Review Questions

• How did the role of the perioikoi contribute to the overall economic structure of Sparta?
  • Perioikoi played a crucial role in Sparta's economy as they were involved in various trades and crafts that supported both local needs and broader Spartan society. While Spartan citizens focused primarily on military training and governance, perioikoi managed businesses and produced goods that facilitated trade. This division of labor allowed Sparta to maintain a strong military presence while ensuring that economic activities continued smoothly without burdening citizen-soldiers.
• Evaluate how the relationship between perioikoi and Spartans reflected broader themes of social hierarchy in ancient Greece.
  • The relationship between perioikoi and Spartans illustrates a complex social hierarchy characterized by divisions of power and rights within ancient Greece. Perioikoi, while free and economically active, lacked the political rights of Spartan citizens, reflecting a system where citizenship was highly exclusive. This dynamic exemplifies how Spartan society depended on various social classes for its stability—citizens for military might, perioikoi for economic activities, and helots for agricultural labor—demonstrating a unique interplay among these groups.
• Analyze the impact that the perioikoi had on Sparta's military capabilities during conflicts with Athens.
  • The perioikoi significantly bolstered Sparta's military capabilities by providing necessary support in terms of manpower and logistical resources during conflicts with Athens. As skilled light infantry soldiers, they supplemented the ranks of Spartan warriors during key battles in the Peloponnesian War. Their ability to mobilize quickly and provide additional support allowed Sparta to sustain its military efforts against Athenian forces, highlighting their importance not only as economic contributors but also as crucial allies in warfare.

Related terms

Helots: The state-owned serfs of Sparta who were responsible for agricultural labor, allowing Spartan citizens to focus on military training and governance.

Spartan Citizenship: The exclusive status granted to a select group of male Spartans who had completed their military training and were entitled to participate in political life.

Peloponnesian League: An alliance of city-states led by Sparta, which was formed to counter the power of Athens during the Peloponnesian War.