The term "helots" refers to a subjugated population in ancient Sparta, primarily consisting of the indigenous people of Laconia and Messenia. They were essentially serfs, bound to the land and required to work for their Spartan overlords. Helots played a crucial role in the Spartan economy, providing agricultural labor and supporting the military-focused society. Helots were often subjected to harsh treatment and lived under constant threat of violence. Their status was a result of Sparta's conquests, and they significantly outnumbered the Spartan citizens. This imbalance led to a system of oppression, where helots could be punished or killed without consequence, reflecting the rigid social hierarchy of Spartan society.