Alharbi 1

Erin Alharbi
Prof. Dyer
History 134
16 October 2014

Life as a Helot in Ancient Greece

While we have always known of their existence, my family never imagined we would
become helots, mainly because we were free as Messenian. While it was known that after a 20
year war that all Messenian who didnt move to other areas would become helots, I believe I
couldnt imagine that becoming a reality. Now here we are owned by the state of Sparta and
have been placed in the estate of a family to work their crops. They are not allowed to benefit
from any sale of us, therefore we will remain here until laced elsewhere, are freed, or die.
As a helot I have retained my name, Seraphim and have been allowed to live amongst
other helots in our own society. While life during the war was very difficult it seems to have
eased somewhat with my new placement, working as a laborer on a family farm. My day usually
consists of field work which includes tilling the land of my owners. In addition to tilling their
land, I am allowed to have my own share of land, crops, and can retain whatever crops are not
used by my Spartan owners. Fortunately, the retention of these crops has been somewhat of a
blessing to my family as I couldnt have taken care of them on my own. I have been most
fortunate to have be able to retain my wife and two children and have just received the good
news that my wife is expecting our third child. This is truly a blessing. Sadly, I will be away with

Alharbi 2
the man of the house while he fulfills his military duties when my wife gives birth. Perhaps my
service to the Spartan military can earn me my freedom. This is nearly the only way a helot can
be freed from slavery. Service to the man of the house is not unheard of when living in the
barracks and wont make a huge impact on the household as there are a dozen of us helots living
here. Our population keeps growing, and it is because we are allowed to be married and have
relations with our wives.
I have recently heard talk of a revolt being planned against the Spartans. While this wont
be our first attempt, it is likely to not be our final attempt. I believe though, that a planned attack
against Sparta at their weakest will free us all. We will return to our life as free people and not
have to contribute any of our livelihood our owners. I am awaiting that day.