|
|
|
Probably the most important evolution at that time is that poor peasants were reduced to the level of dependent producers by a group, which used the excess crop for non-farming activities. In Thessaly, in Sparta and in Crete, the autochthonous peoples, -the penestai, the helots, the aphamiotai, the mnoitai and the klarotai- had been enslaved and were legally bound to land (Aristotle, Politics 1269a35-1269b10). Only in mountainous regions did farmers remain independent. But in open, easily accessible regions they had become simple peasants who supplied landowners with goods. However, it was these groups that supported the religious and social mechanisms of the city. |
Sparta was a typical example where land distribution was applied after invasions in a neighbouring region and where the defeated inhabitants became helots. The root hel- of the word "helot" indicates capture or conquest. Helots were Greek peoples, inhabitants of Laconia and Messenia. The Messenians, who constituted the majority, were subjugated after the end of the 1st Messenian war, around
In Athens and in other Ionian cities, the dynamic nature of progress protected powerless farmers from becoming helots. Still, there were certain among them, that were indebted and were no longer in position to provide for their families. Their position has not yet been determined precisely. They were Athenians, possibly members of phratries, phylai or both, but were no longer free. The increase in number and discontent led to the so-called "agrarian crisis". Most of the information however refers to Athens and the relief of the crisis there and is related to the lawgiver Solon (Aristotle, Athenaion Politeia 2, Plutarch, Life of Solon 23.7-8).
|
| |
|
Note: Click on a picture for a brief description. | |