A "Helot" was a member of a subjugated population in ancient Sparta, primarily consisting of the indigenous people of Laconia and Messenia. They were bound to the land and worked as agricultural laborers for the Spartan citizens, who were known as Spartiates. Helots were not slaves in the traditional sense, as they could not be bought or sold, but they had limited rights and lived under harsh conditions. The Helots played a crucial role in the Spartan economy, providing food and resources that allowed the Spartans to focus on military training and governance. Their status was precarious, and they often faced oppression, including violent repression during times of unrest. The relationship between Helots and Spartans was marked by tension and conflict, influencing Spartan society and its military practices.