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Sparta HelotsOf all the Greek states it was Sparta that stood out in their fanatical beliefs about battle and war. They were the only city-state that had a full time army consisting of the entire male population. The one thing that made this possible was the helot. The helots were subjugated tribes that the Spartans held in slavery to perform all domestic trade and agriculture duties, thus freeing the citizen males to dedicat...

Slave revolt was always an undercurrent in this type of system. One way it was combated was through the activity of the secret service. This elite and covert organization consisted of warriors under the age of 30. They were charged with keeping any revolt talk or action in check through whatever means necessary. This special op group would serve for two years. They frequently roamed at night and killed any helot found out of doors. They could eve...

With an all warrior population, where it was illegal to learn a trade, war was an important event. It was even said to be a welcome respite from the rigors of training. Why battle instead of training?...