Sparta: Women and Enslaved People
In Sparta, women had more rights than other Greek women. Although Spartans who were enslaved had little freedom, they had some rights that Athenians who were enslaved did not.
Women:
Women:
Spartan women lived the same simple life as Spartan men. They wore plain clothing with little decoration and did not wear jewelry or use cosmetics or perfume. Like Spartan men, women were expected to remain strong and healthy—and ready to fight when needed. A wife was expected to protect her husband's property in times of war. She also had to guard it against invaders and revolts by people who were enslaved.
Spartan women were free to speak with their husbands' friends or express political opinions. Other Greeks even said they ruled over their men. Women could also own and control their own property. They could even marry again, should their first husband be away at war for too long a time.
Enslaved People:
Spartans who were enslaved, the helots, were people the Spartans had conquered. There were many more helots than citizens in Sparta. The Spartans treated the helots harshly, fearful that the helots would revolt.
Occasionally, the Spartan government declared war on the helots so that any people it thought might rebel could be legally killed. In fact, the Spartan government once asked the helots to choose their best fighters, saying that these people would be set free as thanks for fighting for Sparta. The helots selected 2,000 men. Immediately, the Spartans killed every one of them to eliminate the possibility of any future helot leaders.
Despite this harsh treatment, helots did retain some rights. They could marry whomever and whenever they wanted. They could pass their names on to their children. They could sell any leftover crops after giving their owner his share. Helots who saved enough money could even purchase their freedom.
Spartan women were free to speak with their husbands' friends or express political opinions. Other Greeks even said they ruled over their men. Women could also own and control their own property. They could even marry again, should their first husband be away at war for too long a time.
Enslaved People:
Spartans who were enslaved, the helots, were people the Spartans had conquered. There were many more helots than citizens in Sparta. The Spartans treated the helots harshly, fearful that the helots would revolt.
Occasionally, the Spartan government declared war on the helots so that any people it thought might rebel could be legally killed. In fact, the Spartan government once asked the helots to choose their best fighters, saying that these people would be set free as thanks for fighting for Sparta. The helots selected 2,000 men. Immediately, the Spartans killed every one of them to eliminate the possibility of any future helot leaders.
Despite this harsh treatment, helots did retain some rights. They could marry whomever and whenever they wanted. They could pass their names on to their children. They could sell any leftover crops after giving their owner his share. Helots who saved enough money could even purchase their freedom.
revolt (noun)
A violent uprising against a ruler or government.
Example Sentence: The people revolted against the king because he was unfair.
retain (verb)
To keep or hold onto something.
Example Sentence: The dog retained its bone even though the cat tried to take it.
harsh (adjective)
Rough, cruel, or unkind.
Example Sentence: The teacher gave the students a harsh punishment for not doing their homework.
eliminate (verb)
To get rid of something completely.
Example Sentence: The team eliminated all of its opponents to win the championship.
property (noun)
Something that belongs to someone.
Example Sentence: The house is my property, so I can do whatever I want with it.
A violent uprising against a ruler or government.
Example Sentence: The people revolted against the king because he was unfair.
retain (verb)
To keep or hold onto something.
Example Sentence: The dog retained its bone even though the cat tried to take it.
harsh (adjective)
Rough, cruel, or unkind.
Example Sentence: The teacher gave the students a harsh punishment for not doing their homework.
eliminate (verb)
To get rid of something completely.
Example Sentence: The team eliminated all of its opponents to win the championship.
property (noun)
Something that belongs to someone.
Example Sentence: The house is my property, so I can do whatever I want with it.