The word democracy derives from the Greek demos, which referred to the entire citizen body. Although Athens has become associated with the birth of democracy (demokratia) from around 460 B.C., other Greek states did establish a similar political system, notably, Argos, Syracuse (briefly), Rhodes, and Erythrai. Athens is, however, the state we know most about. The assembly of Athens met at least once a month, perhaps two or three times, on the Pnyx hill in a dedicated space, which could accommodate 6,000 citizens. Any male citizen 18 years or over could speak (at least in theory) and vote in the assembly, usually with a simple show of hands. Attendance was even paid for in certain periods, which was a measure to encourage citizens who lived far away and couldn't afford the time-off to attend. Citizens probably accounted for 10% to 20% of the city-state's population, and of these it has been estimated that only 3,000 or so people actively participated in politics.

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