Which statement correctly distinguishes the perioikoi from both helots and Spartiates?
They were free but lacked full citizenship✓Correct answer
They were unfree laborers tied to estates
They alone formed the full citizen body
They were temporary foreign merchants with no military role
Explanation
The perioikoi lived in free communities under Spartan dominance and took part in crafts, trade, and military service without holding full Spartan citizenship. Unlike helots they were free, but unlike Spartiates they were outside the full citizen body.