What is the meaning for greek helots?

Helots (Ancient Greek: εἵλως, romanized: heílōs, Ancient Greek pronunciation: [héːlɔs]; plural: εἵλωτες, heílōtes) were a class of serfs in ancient Sparta. They were the non-Spartan population of Laconia and Messenia, peoples conquered by the Dorians in the 9th–7th centuries BC. The helots belonged to the Greek state, not to any individual Spartan. They were used mainly as agricultural workers, but could have other functions, such as sailors, craftsmen, or servants.

The helots had a bad reputation among the ancient writers, who often depicted them as "cowardly", "crafty", and "treacherous". However, we know that the helots were not always unhappy or uncooperative. They also had their own religion, their own culture, and their own system of mutual support.

The position of the helots was regulated by a set of laws known as the "Krypteia". These laws allowed the young men of Sparta to kill any helot that they deemed to be a danger to the state. As a result of this, the helots lived in constant fear of being murdered.

The helots did not have any legal rights, but they did have some social protections. They were allowed to marry and have families, and they were not allowed to be sold or otherwise transferred from one owner to another.

In the 3rd century BC, the helots revolted against Sparta and established their own state. This state, called Messenia, remained independent until it was conquered by Rome in 146 BC.