The ancient civilization that created the first known form of democracy was Athens, in ancient Greece, around the 5th century BCE. This early democracy introduced radical ideas about citizen participation in governance, allowing free male citizens to vote on legislation and executive decisions. Athenian democracy was characterized by the Assembly, where citizens gathered to debate and vote on various issues. Their model emphasized civic duty, direct participation, and accountability, providing a foundational influence on democratic systems that followed. Although limited in scope—excluding women, slaves, and non-citizens—its principles inspired political thought and developments in later societies.