The Revolt of Helots in Sparta, BC 464 (litho)

The Revolt of Helots in Sparta, BC 464. The Helots, thinking that the earthquake at Sparta furnished them with an excellent opportunity to rise against their oppressors, revolted en masse. Checked by the heroism and promptness of the Spartan king Archidamus, they dispersed themselves over the country, calling on every slave to join their standard. They were eagerly joined by the Messenians, and were only crushed after a ten years' struggle, known as the Third Messenian War. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.