Athens, The World's First Democracy

Athens became the first democracy in the world in 508 BC..

Athens was once ruled by kings and nobles. As time went on the ruling class was replaced by a series of men called tyrants, men who forced their way to power and became dictators.

Many of these leaders ruled harshly and selfishly, ignoring the wishes of the people.

In 508 BCE, Cleisthenes introduced a number of changes to Athenian government. People were now allowed to choose their rulers and to vote on important issues. Athens became the world's first democracy. Democracy comes from Greek words meaning, "rule by the people."

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