PERIOECIANS Meaning and
Definition
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Perioecians, in ancient Greek history, refers to a group of people who resided in Sparta and its surrounding territories called Perioecis. The term "perioikoi" is derived from the Greek words "peri," meaning around, and "oikos," meaning house or dwelling. The Perioecians were free inhabitants who lived alongside the Spartan citizens, known as Spartiates, but held a different social standing.
The Perioecians were considered to be the middle class of Spartan society. They were free individuals who were not enslaved or subjected to serfdom but did not possess the same rights and privileges as the Spartiates. While they were free to conduct business, own property, and conduct trade, they were also required to pay taxes and serve in the Spartan army when called upon.
Although they had certain limitations, the Perioecians generally enjoyed greater freedoms compared to the helots, who were unfree agricultural laborers in Sparta. The Perioecians played a crucial role in the Spartan economy by engaging in trade, manufacturing, and crafts. They contributed to the prosperity of the city-state and often traded with other Greek city-states and foreign lands.
The Perioecians were also expected to support and collaborate with the Spartiates in times of war. They could serve as auxiliary forces and were renowned for their skill as light infantry. Perioecians shared a sense of identity and loyalty to Spartan society, likely due to their proximity and interdependence with the Spartiates.
In conclusion, Perioecians were free inhabitants of Sparta who held a distinct social position, residing in the surrounding territories. They were neither slaves nor Spartiates but played a crucial role in the economic and military activities of Sparta.
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The inhabitants of the earth living in the same latitudes, but in longitudes differing by 180 degrees, so that when it is noon with the one it is midnight with the other.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PERIOECIANS
- oerioecians
- lerioecians
- -erioecians
- 0erioecians
- pwrioecians
- psrioecians
- pdrioecians
- prrioecians
- p4rioecians
- p3rioecians
- peeioecians
- pedioecians
- pefioecians
- petioecians
- pe5ioecians
- pe4ioecians
- peruoecians
- perjoecians
- perkoecians
- perooecians
Etymology of PERIOECIANS
The word "Perioecians" is derived from the Greek word "Perioikoi" (Περίοικοι), which literally means "dwellers around". In ancient Greek society, the Perioikoi were a group of free inhabitants who lived in the territory surrounding the city-state of Sparta.
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