The ancient Athenian Empire is credited with the creation of the first known democracy around the 5th century BCE. Under the leadership of figures like Cleisthenes, Athens developed a political system that allowed citizens to participate directly in decision-making processes. Eligible citizens, which predominantly included free males over 18, could vote in assembly meetings, propose laws, and serve on juries. This early form of democracy laid the groundwork for modern democratic systems, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement, individual rights, and the notion of governance by the people.