Jason led Vinnie and Mandy out of the house.
"We'll pass through the agora.
It is the heart of our city," said Jason.
"This is where people buy and sell things.
We make the laws of Athens here too.
Men, women, and slaves can be together in the agora."
Suddenly, Mandy pulled Vinnie's arm.
"Look at that!"
She pointed upward.
"Whoa!" Vinnie said, stopping.
He stared up at a tall, rocky hill.
Many stairs led up to the top.
At the top were many buildings.
"There's the Parthenon," said Jason. "Isn't it great?"
He pointed out a large building surrounded by tall, white columns.
"It's beautiful!" Mandy gasped.
"I can surely tell you're not from here.
Where are you from?" Jason asked.
"From New Jersey." Vinnie said nervously.
"I have never heard of New Jersey," said Jason, frowning.
They reached the agora.
People were everywhere.
"Jason!" a man called. "Here's some bread.
You have to eat a lot to win the race!"
He held out a loaf.
"Thank you!" said Jason.
Another voice yelled, "Jason, your lyre has been fixed!
Come by later to pick it up."
"Can you play that instrument?" asked Vinnie.
"Sure," said Jason.
"I learn music at the gymnasium."
"Good luck, Jason!" called out three more voices.
"I will compete in the sprint race at the Olympic Games," said Jason.
"The race will be held in Olympia.
I am the youngest runner, but I am the fastest."
"I love watching the Olympics!" said Mandy.
Jason stared at her with his mouth wide open.
"Women are not allowed to watch the games!"
"Jason!" a tall man called out.
He was a few years older than Jason.
He walked up to Mandy and Vinnie.
"My name is Milo.
I am the fastest runner in Athens!"
"But I thought . . . ," said Vinnie, pointing to Jason.
"Did he tell you he was the best? Ha-ha!" laughed Milo.
"Everyone knows that I will wear the olive wreath of victory this year!"
"Milo, stop bragging," said Jason with a half smile.
"After the race begins, you will see me far ahead of you!"
He turned to Mandy.
"You must stay in the agora now," Jason said.
"We're going to the gymnasium."
Surprised, Mandy cried, "No, I want to come with you!"
Jason shook his head.
"Girls aren't allowed inside.
You must wait here until we come out."
Mandy stamped her foot.
She hated being left out.