In Pericles's funeral oration, he talks of Athens as more than a city-state - it was a symbol. What ideals does Athens represent? What is the citizen's duty to the state?. Ancient History

The author talks of Athens representing some sort of safe haven. At Athens they take in foreigners, educate the young, and live freely. Athens is versatile as well as praiseful. The citizen duty is to give back to Athens. It is to be a male going to the military and serve for the land or women respecting themselves and their name and providing for their families. Athens stands for respect and memorialization, not only do they pay commemoration to fallen warriors they also keep their families who were left behind in mind.