How did the perioeci differ from the aristocrats of Sparta?

The perioeci were a class of free inhabitants in Sparta who lived in surrounding territories and engaged in commerce and craft, while the aristocrats, or Spartiates, were the ruling military elite who held full citizenship rights. Unlike the Spartiates, the perioeci did not participate in the Spartan political system and were excluded from military leadership roles. However, they had some autonomy and were essential to the Spartan economy, providing goods and services that supported the militaristic society. In contrast, the Spartiates focused primarily on warfare and maintaining their dominant status.