The civilization most notably associated with the development of democracy is ancient Greece, particularly the city-state of Athens in the 5th century BCE. In Athens, a direct form of democracy was established, allowing citizens to participate in decision-making processes through assemblies and voting. This system marked a significant evolution in governance compared to previous authoritarian structures. Athenian democracy emphasized civic participation and the idea that citizens had a collective role in shaping laws and policies, laying the foundational principles for modern democratic systems and influencing political thought throughout history.