helotries Definition

A type of ancient Greek serf who were indigenous people of the Peloponnesian region, especially of the ancient Messenian state, and later of the Spartan state, who were conquered and reduced to a state of virtual slavery by the victorious Dorian invaders. They had few personal freedoms and could be bought and sold like other property. These people were essentially agricultural workers who were bound to the land and the local state. The word 'helotry' is seldom used, but it's derived from the Greek word 'helot', meaning a serf or bondsman.