Perioeci

Definition

Perioeci were free non-citizen inhabitants of Sparta who lived in the surrounding areas known as Laconia and Messenia. They played a vital role in the Spartan economy and military, as they were responsible for trade, craftsmanship, and supporting the Spartan warriors while being excluded from full citizenship rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Perioeci were crucial for Sparta's economy as they handled trade and crafts, providing goods that Spartans themselves were prohibited from producing.
2. Although they were not full citizens, perioeci could own property and had a degree of economic independence, which was essential for the functioning of the Spartan society.
3. Perioeci were obligated to serve in the military alongside Spartan citizens during times of war, often forming a significant part of the Spartan army.
4. They lived in their own communities and maintained their customs, but were required to pay taxes and support the Spartan state.
5. The relationship between perioeci and Spartans was complex, as perioeci relied on Spartan protection but had to navigate their subordinate status carefully.

Review Questions

• How did the role of perioeci contribute to the overall functioning of Spartan society?
  • Perioeci played a critical role in maintaining the economic stability of Sparta by engaging in trade and craftsmanship, which allowed Spartan citizens to focus on military training. Their involvement ensured that necessary goods and services were available for both civilians and soldiers. This division of labor between perioeci and Spartiates was fundamental in supporting Sparta's military-oriented culture while keeping its citizenry focused on warfare.
• What were the social implications of having a distinct class of perioeci within Spartan society?
  • The existence of perioeci created a social hierarchy within Sparta that reinforced the notion of citizenship and privilege associated with being a Spartiate. While perioeci had some economic freedoms, their lack of political rights meant they remained dependent on the Spartan state. This relationship highlighted the contrasts between different social classes in Sparta, affecting social cohesion and raising questions about loyalty and rights among those living under Spartan rule.
• Evaluate how the economic contributions of perioeci influenced Spartan military effectiveness.
  • The economic contributions of perioeci significantly bolstered Spartan military effectiveness by ensuring a steady supply of resources necessary for warfare. Since perioeci engaged in trade and crafts while Spartans trained as warriors, they provided armor, weapons, food, and other essential supplies that supported military campaigns. This division allowed Sparta to maintain its status as a formidable military power while relying on perioeci to sustain its economy, illustrating how social structures can impact military capability.

Related terms

Helots: A subjugated population in Sparta primarily composed of Messenian slaves who worked the land and provided agricultural labor for Spartan citizens.

Spartan Citizens: The full citizens of Sparta known as Spartiates, who were the elite warrior class and held political power within the city-state.

Agoge: The rigorous education and training program that Spartan males underwent to become warriors, emphasizing discipline, physical fitness, and obedience.