The ancient civilization of Athens is credited with the establishment of democracy, particularly in the 5th century BCE. Athenian democracy introduced the concept of direct participation in governance, allowing male citizens to vote on laws and policy decisions. This system emphasized civic engagement and public discourse, contrasting sharply with autocratic forms of governance prevalent elsewhere. Though limited to free men and excluding women, slaves, and foreigners, Athenian democracy laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles, influencing political thought and systems in subsequent civilizations and shaping contemporary notions of citizenship and representation.