What term refers to the helots, or subjects, of Sparta?

The term "helots" specifically refers to the subjugated population of ancient Sparta who worked the land and performed labor for the Spartan citizens. Helots were primarily descended from the original inhabitants of the region and were tied to the land that they worked. Their status was one of servitude, and they played a crucial role in the economy of Sparta, allowing the Spartan citizen-soldiers to focus on military training and governance.

While "Perioikoi" refers to a different group of non-citizens in Sparta who were free but not full citizens, and "Spartiates" denotes the full citizens of Sparta who enjoyed political rights and responsibilities, helots represented a unique class of bound laborers essential to the Spartan social and economic structure. The term "freemen" does not accurately apply to helots, as they were not free individuals but rather subjugated individuals forced to serve the Spartan elite.