The ancient civilization credited with the invention of democracy is Ancient Greece, particularly the city-state of Athens in the 5th century BCE. Athenian democracy was a groundbreaking political system that allowed free male citizens to participate directly in decision-making processes, including voting on laws and policies. This democratic experiment marked a significant shift from monarchic and oligarchic rule, emphasizing civic participation and political equality. Athenian democracy laid the groundwork for modern democratic practices, introducing concepts such as citizen engagement, jury service, and the importance of public debate, all of which continue to influence political systems worldwide.