Perioeci

[1] For instance, the large number of masks and figurines dedicated at the site of the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia were probably produced by perioecic craftsmen.

[12] For instance, in 413, during the Peloponnesian War, Athens made a raid on the territory of the perioecic city of Epidaurus Limera with the goal of triggering a helot revolt against the perioeci.

In describing the ideal state, Aristotle believed that the actual citizens and members of the state should be the rulers, the warriors (those who are allowed to bear arms), the statesmen, and the priests but that those who perform trades, such as mechanics, craftsmen, husbandmen, and farmers should be either slaves or perioeci, because such professions are ignoble and do not produce virtue, according to him.

In that sense, the perioeci are meant to be common to all ideal Hellenic states, as a sort of middle class whose ranks the slaves may aspire to join, below the citizens but above slavery.

They are free men, but they do not own property and are not allowed to vote, hold office, or influence the state or the laws by any other means.

He notes that many other identified settlements in Laconia and Messenia were probably perioecic, but it is impossible to prove their status with the current state of the evidence.