Helots, the peasant slaves of ancient Sparta. They probably were descendants of the original population who were conquered by the Spartans. They were owned by the state, but were assigned to Spartan citizens. They tilled the soil, furnishing the owner a fixed amount of produce each year. During war they were used as soldiers or as oarsmen in the navy. A secret police force killed helots believed apt to incite uprisings. Nevertheless, there were helot revolts on several occasions, most notably during 464–458 B.C.