What is a perioeci?

Answer 1

The perioeci, or perioikoi, were the members of an autonomous group of free but non-citizen inhabitants of Sparta. Concentrated in the beach and highland areas of Laconia, the name derives from περί / perí, "around," and οἶκος / oikos, "dwelling, house." litterally dwelled around the Spartan villages.

The Perioikoi had their own laws and customs, could pursue any profession or trade they liked, and had their own local officials and dignitaries. They were restricted only with regard to foreign and military policy, being subject to the government of the entire territory or city-state, Lacedaemon, which was run by Spartans. They were also required to provide troops for the Lacedaemonian army and support Sparta in time of war. Because the Spartan citizens were themselves prohibited by their laws from engaging in any profession except that of arms, the Perioikoi were the professionals, merchants, and craftsmen of Lacedaemon. They were not restricted by the Spartan laws and traditions to an austere lifestyle nor were they prohibited from hoarding gold and silver. In short, they had a monopoly on all lucrative businesses and professions.

they were extremely important as the Spartans were restricted to military trainning and were the source of trade and economic stability in Sparta

The perioeci, or perioikoi, were the members of an autonomous group of free but non-citizen inhabitants of Sparta. Concentrated in the beach and highland areas of Laconia, the name derives from περί / perí, "around," and οἶκος / oikos, "dwelling, house." litterally dwelled around the Spartan villages.

The Perioikoi had their own laws and customs, could pursue any profession or trade they liked, and had their own local officials and dignitaries. They were restricted only with regard to foreign and military policy, being subject to the government of the entire territory or city-state, Lacedaemon, which was run by Spartans. They were also required to provide troops for the Lacedaemonian army and support Sparta in time of war. Because the Spartan citizens were themselves prohibited by their laws from engaging in any profession except that of arms, the Perioikoi were the professionals, merchants, and craftsmen of Lacedaemon. They were not restricted by the Spartan laws and traditions to an austere lifestyle nor were they prohibited from hoarding gold and silver. In short, they had a monopoly on all lucrative businesses and professions.

they were extremely important as the Spartans were restricted to military trainning and were the source of trade and economic stability in Sparta