Noun
thetes pl (plural only)
(historical) The lowest social class of citizens in ancient Athens.
Athenaion Politeia 7.1, 55.5 Plutarch Solon 25.3 There was an assembly of Athenian citizens (the Ekklesia ) but the lowest class (the Thetes ) was not admitted and its deliberative procedures were controlled by the nobles. Source: Internet
However some scholars have doubted whether Solon actually included the Thetes in the Ekklesia, this being considered too bold a move for any aristocrat in the archaic period. Source: Internet
"Thetes" are individuals who are not members of any phyle and are often socially disadvantaged and economically poor, being similar to second-class citizens under the CEP. Source: Internet