What were Perioeci in Sparta?
The Perioeci or Perioikoi (Greek: Περίοικοι, /peˈri. oj. koj/) were the members of a social class and population group of non-citizen inhabitants of Laconia and Messenia, the territory controlled by Sparta, concentrated in the coastal and highland areas.
Who were the Perioeci and what was their role in Spartan society?
The population of Sparta consisted of three main groups: the Spartans, or Spartiates, who were full citizens; the Helots, or serfs/slaves; and the Perioeci, who were neither slaves nor citizens. The Perioeci, whose name means “dwellers-around,” worked as craftsmen and traders, and built weapons for the Spartans.
What does the word Perioeci mean?
Definition of perioeci 1 : those who live on the same parallel of latitude but on opposite meridians so that it is noon in one place when it is midnight in the other — compare antoeci.
Why was Sparta and Athens so different?
Sparta was ruled by two kings, who ruled until they died or were forced out of office. Athens was ruled by archons, who were elected annually. Thus, because both parts of Athens’ government had leaders who were elected, Athens is said to have been the birthplace of democracy. Spartan life was simple.
What was Sparta’s economy based on?
farming
While the Athenian economy depended on trade, Sparta’s economy relied on farming and on conquering other people. Sparta didn’t have enough land to feed all its people, so Spartans took the land they needed from their neighbors.
Who were the Perioeci in Sparta?
The Perioeci were essentially the second class citizens of Sparta, free men and women but non citizens of the state of Sparta. The Perioeci were afforded the luxury of free movement in Sparta and outside of the state also.
What is the difference between the perioeci and Spartiates proper?
The Spartiates Proper were essentially the upper class of ancient Sparta, but their life while better than Perioeci and the helots, was not the same as the upper class of ancient Greece. The Perioeci were essentially the second class citizens of Sparta, free men and women but non citizens of the state of Sparta.
What is the perioeci?
In the ancient Spartan hierarchy, the Perioeci was the middle level class of people. These individuals were responsible for crafting and farming and this class therefore this class constituted of those who were craftsmen, artisans and farmers.
What was the social structure of Sparta?
Spartan Society. The population of Sparta consisted of three main groups: the Spartans, or Spartiates, who were full citizens; the Helots, or serfs/slaves; and the Perioeci, who were neither slaves nor citizens. The Perioeci, whose name means “dwellers-around,” worked as craftsmen and traders, and built weapons for the Spartans.
