The ancient civilization known for developing democracy and philosophical thought is Ancient Greece, particularly the city-state of Athens in the 5th century BCE. Athens was the birthplace of democratic governance, where citizens participated directly in political decision-making. Additionally, it was a center for philosophical inquiry, nurturing great thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. This intellectual environment fostered discussions about ethics, politics, and the nature of knowledge, laying a foundational influence on Western philosophy and political systems. The legacy of Greek democracy and philosophy continues to resonate in contemporary thought and governance.