The ancient civilization credited with the founding of democracy is Ancient Greece, particularly the city-state of Athens. In the 5th century BCE, Athenian leaders introduced a system where citizens could participate in decision-making and legislative processes, significantly influencing political thought. Key figures like Cleisthenes and Pericles played vital roles in developing this system. Athenian democracy allowed free male citizens to engage in direct voting on laws and policies, fostering political participation and civic engagement. While limited in scope, as it excluded women, slaves, and non-citizens, it laid the foundational concepts of democracy that continue to resonate today.