Which civilization is known for its concepts of democracy that influenced later societies?

The Greeks and Romans significantly contributed to the development of democratic concepts that have had a lasting impact on later societies. Ancient Greece is often credited with the establishment of the first known form of democracy, particularly in the city-state of Athens during the 5th century BCE. In this system, citizens were granted the opportunity to participate directly in decision-making processes, emphasizing the principles of civic participation and political responsibility.

The Roman Republic further advanced these democratic ideas by introducing a complex system of governance that included elected representatives and checks and balances. This model laid the groundwork for modern democratic systems and has influenced many subsequent political structures around the world. The fusion of Greek and Roman contributions forms the bedrock of Western political thought, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement, representation, and the rule of law.

In contrast, the Sumerians and Egyptians had sophisticated governments but did not develop democratic systems. The Aztecs had a form of governance that included elements of centralized authority and a ruling class, which did not embody the democratic ideals seen in Greek and Roman societies. Thus, the Greek and Roman civilizations stand out as pivotal in shaping the concept of democracy, influencing later political structures and ideologies.