Perioeci

The perioeci, or perioikoi, were the members of an autonomous group of free but non-citizen inhabitants of Sparta. Concentrated in the costal and highland areas of Laconia and Messenia, the name περίοικοι derives from περί, peri, "around", and οἶκος, oikos, "dwelling, house". They were the only people allowed to travel to other cities, which the Spartans were not, unless given permission.

Origin

The city-state of Sparta was formed during the Greek Dark Ages, controlling the plains around the Eurotas river. Those communities already existing in the area which could not be assimilated into the Spartan state, or subjugated as helots, became the peroieci. Whether they were Dorians, like the Spartans, or descended from pre-Dorian populations in the Peloponnese is unknown.

Status

The perioeci were free, unlike the helots, but were not full Spartan citizens. They lived in their own settlements in the perioecis, which were described by ancient authors as poleis. These settlements were largely under the control of the Spartan state, but were self-governing on domestic issues.