Ancient Athens is renowned for its development of philosophy and the arts. As a center of intellectual thought during the 5th century BCE, it produced influential philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The city was also pivotal in the evolution of drama, with playwrights such as Sophocles and Euripides shaping theatrical traditions. The cultivation of democracy in Athens allowed citizens to engage in political discourse and decision-making, further enriching its cultural landscape. This environment fostered advancements not only in philosophy and arts but also in science, mathematics, and public architecture, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence contemporary thought.