Athenian Life

Dear Spartan,
It was very surprising to receive your letter due to our city-states being at war with each other.  I am also a 13 year old girl, but I am not allowed out alone without a chaperone to be with me.  When I go out in public I must have my family or someone with me at all times.  Our woman are very protected here.  We do not learn to fight.  We are taught at home by our mothers, however, my brother has been in school since he was seven.  He is learning literature, mathmatics and philiosphy.  Our city is very beautiful.  We have been trying to rebuild since the Persian Wars.  I am sorry to hear about your baby brother.  That is just awful.  We are truly a society of learning and not physical fitness like your city.  One thing I will tell you that is heavy on my heart is the fact that I am getting married when I am 15.  I am not happy about this because this marriage is arranged by my father.  I wish I could escape to somewhere else so I would not have to go through this, but for now this is my life.  Hope to hear from you again soon.

Your Athenian Friend,
Atena