The beginning of modern democracy in ancient Greece is often marked by the establishment of democratic governance in Athens around the 5th century BCE. This period saw the implementation of direct democracy under leaders like Cleisthenes, who is known as the "Father of Athenian Democracy." Citizens were granted the right to participate in decision-making processes through assemblies and councils, allowing for collective governance. Although this democracy only encompassed free male citizens and excluded women and slaves, it laid foundational principles of civic engagement and political representation that would influence future democratic systems. Athens became a model for later generations in the development of democratic ideals.