Krypteia

in Sparta, ancient Greece, punitive raids conducted periodically by the government against the Helots; the raids were primarily carried out by Spartan youth. Their purpose was to annihilate the most active Helots, thereby keeping the remaining Helots in constant terror. The raids were particularly important in the military education and training of the Spartans. Detachments of young Spartans who served in the capacity of police for a period of two years were also called the krypteia.