Education systems varied greatly across ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and Rome. In Mesopotamia, schools taught mainly reading and writing to boys to become scribes, a well-paying job. In Egypt, only wealthy boys attended schools to become scribes at age 12. Most Chinese children did not attend school due to farm work, but boys could attend free schools supported by the Emperor if their fathers allowed it. Roman education was important but only for the rich; the poor could learn basics, while schools used fear and violence to discipline students. Modern Canadian education is much different, with no child labor and violence, and access to technology.