Who were the Spartiates in the context of Spartan society?

The Spartiates were the elite ruling class of Spartan society, distinguished from other groups by their full citizenship and military training. They were professional soldiers who underwent rigorous training from a young age through the agoge system, which was designed to produce disciplined and skilled warriors.

Spartiates held significant social status and were responsible for governing and maintaining control over the state. They had rights and privileges that other groups did not possess, including the ability to vote and participate in political life. This warrior ethos was central to Spartan culture, which prioritized military prowess above other aspects of society.

In contrast, the non-citizen merchants and free laborers, while contributing to the economy, did not have the same rights or social standing as the Spartiates. The subject peasants, known as helots, were primarily agricultural laborers who worked the land for the Spartiates and were subjugated by the Spartan state, living under harsh conditions without the privileges of citizenship. The role of the Spartiates was thus vital to the structure and success of Spartan society, reinforcing their position as the warriors and ruling elite.