History of the Peloponnesian War

The Thasians, having been conquered in some engagements, and being invested, called the Lacedaemonians to their aid, and desired that they would assist them by invading Attica.

They promised to do so, without letting the Athenians know, and intended it; but were prevented by the earthquake which took place; on which occasion also they saw the Helots, and the Thurians and oethieans amongst the Perioeci, [*]( i.e. the inhabitants of the districts adjacent to the capital; or the dependent Achaian population of Laconia in general, as distinct from their Dorian conquerors, the Spartans. For a fuller account of them see Arnold's note, and Appendix 2.) establish themselves in revolt at Ithome. [*]( See note on ch. 87. 2.) Most of the Helots were the descendants of the old Messenians who were enslaved at that time [with which all are acquainted [*]( These words, explanatory of the τότε, are adopted from Göller.) ]: