The ancient civilization known for its concept of democracy is ancient Athens, primarily during the 5th century BCE. This city-state developed a unique form of direct democracy where eligible citizens could participate in decision-making through assemblies and votes, bypassing traditional monarchical or oligarchic forms of governance. Athenian democracy allowed free males, regardless of wealth, to engage in political life and public affairs actively. This period fostered significant cultural and intellectual advancements, laying the groundwork for future democratic systems. Although limited to a subset of the population, Athens's democratic principles significantly influenced modern democratic ideologies.