The ancient civilization credited with the development of democracy is Ancient Greece, particularly the city-state of Athens. In the 5th century BCE, Athenian democracy introduced a system where citizens could participate directly in decision-making processes. This was pioneering as it allowed for political involvement by ordinary citizens rather than a select elite or monarch. Although limited to free males and excluding women and slaves, this form of governance laid the foundational principles of civic engagement, rule of law, and equality that have influenced modern democratic systems worldwide, showcasing the importance of public participation in governance.