How did the Spartans farm?

The Spartans were a society of ancient Greece that placed great emphasis on military prowess and physical fitness. They were not traditionally known for their farming practices, as they were more focused on warfare and training their soldiers. However, they did have some agricultural activities to sustain their population. Here's a brief overview:

Land Distribution: In ancient Sparta, land ownership was strictly controlled by the state, and it was divided among citizens as a means of subsistence. These land parcels were known as "kleros" and were assigned to Spartan households.

Helots: The Spartans employed a large population of enslaved individuals known as helots. Helots were mostly conquered people from neighboring regions who were forced to work the land and provide manual labor for the Spartan citizens.

Agriculture: The primary crops cultivated by the Spartans included barley, wheat, grapes, and olives. They also raised livestock such as pigs and goats. Due to the limited fertility of the land in the Peloponnese region, it is believed that the Spartans depended on other Greek city-states for a portion of their food supply.

Self-Sufficiency: Spartan society was organized around the principle of self-sufficiency. The citizens aimed to produce enough food and resources to meet their needs without relying on trade with other regions.

Trade: While the Spartans primarily focused on agriculture for sustenance, they did participate in some trade activities. They exported goods such as wool and pottery and imported items like salt, metal, and luxury goods. However, the emphasis was on self-reliance rather than extensive commercial activities.

It's important to note that military service was considered the highest duty for Spartan citizens, and any able-bodied male was expected to devote himself to military training and warfare. As such, farming and other tasks were largely left to the helots.