Birth of Democracy in Athens
Cleisthenes introduced democratic reforms in Athens, establishing the world's first known democracy.
Around 508 BCE, the Athenian leader Cleisthenes introduced a system of political reforms that he called demokratia, or "rule by the people." This system allowed all male citizens of Athens to participate in the Assembly, which made decisions on legislation and executive matters. While limited by modern standards—excluding women, slaves, and foreigners—Athenian democracy established principles that would profoundly influence Western political thought.
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