Ancient Greece: Rise of Democracy

​The earliest democracies began in ancient Greece about 3,000 years ago.

Only free men born in the city could take part in government.

​The next important democracy was the Roman Republic in Italy. The Roman republic elected leaders and officials who made decisions for the people.

​How was Democracy reborn?

​Democracy began to flourish around AD 1200, when modern nations began to form in Europe. One of the first nations was England. It was ruled by king.

​Democracy began to flourish around AD 1200, when modern nations began to form in Europe. One of the first nations was England. It was ruled by king.

​But the king could not do whatever he pleased. He had to ask advice from group of nobles, who met in a council called Parliament.

At first, only a small people group of people had a share of the power in the new democracies.​

​Today, citizens of true democracies have many important rights.