### id282225586 the Messenian revolt was instigated by an earthquake > The Messenian revolt of 464BC is arguably one of the most important events in Helot and Spartan history. Our main source for the event is Thucydides ([1.101-3](http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Thuc.+1.101.&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0200)). He tells us that an earthquake brought a great deal of destruction to Sparta, collapsing many of the buildings, killing those within. The Helots took this opportunity to rebel and fled to Mt. Ithome, which they fortified and defended against Sparta and her allies for ten years (Herodotos actually tells us of the death of a famous Spartan in this war: [9.64](http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Hdt.+9.64&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0126)). These Helots were actually allowed to leave Mt. Ithome and the Peloponnese, being settled in Naupaktos by the Athenians, adopting the name Messenians. > - [[Do we know about any escaped spartan helots AskHistorians by Interesting Inquirer#id282225586 the Messenian revolt was instigated by an earthquake|View in Vault]]