The ancient culture credited with the first known democracy in history is Ancient Greece, particularly the city-state of Athens. This system emerged around the 5th century BCE and allowed free male citizens to participate directly in decision-making, shaping civic life. Decisions were made by majority vote in assemblies, and citizens had the responsibility to engage in public affairs, establishing foundational democratic principles such as participation, equality, and civic duty. This early form of democracy laid the groundwork for modern democratic systems and influenced political thought throughout history, emphasizing the importance of active citizenship and representative government.