Athens is the ancient city known as the cradle of democracy. The Athenian city-state, located in modern-day Greece, is notable for its democratic government system, which emerged in the fifth century BCE.
During the same period, other city-states such as Sparta, Thebes, and Corinth existed. However, it was Athens that developed and implemented a form of direct democracy in which eligible residents could directly participate in decision-making and governance.
Notably, the Athenian democracy was limited to male citizens, with women, slaves, and foreigners excluded. Nonetheless, Athens was crucial in the development and evolution of democratic ideas that influenced political regimes throughout history.