What was the name of the marginalized class of non-citizen merchants in Sparta?

The marginalized class of non-citizen merchants in Sparta was known as the Perioikoi. This group played a significant role in Spartan society as they were responsible for trade and various economic activities, allowing the Spartan citizens, or Spartiates, to focus on military training and governance without being directly involved in commerce.

Perioikoi were free residents of the areas surrounding Sparta, but they did not have full citizenship rights. They functioned as a buffer class, engaging in trade and crafts, which were aspects of society that the militaristic Spartiates largely eschewed. Their position was crucial for Sparta's economy, particularly since the city-state's rigid social structure limited the activities of its citizen class. This societal arrangement highlights the complexity of Spartan society, where different classes had specific roles that contributed to the overall functionality of the community.