Around 2500 years ago, the people of Athens set up a form of government which was called democracy which lasted for about 200 years. All the men over the age of 30 years were recognized as full citizens. All citizens could attend these meetings of assembly that met at least 40 times in an year. Positions were made through lottery.
Citizens were expected to serve in the army and the navy. However, women were not considered citizens. Foreigners, who lived and worked in Athens did not have rights as citizens. There were several thousand slaves in Athens, who worked in mines, fields, households and workshops and they were not treated as citizens.
Athens civilization, which was around 2500 years ago does not seem a true democracy because there was no right for women and slaves and they were not allowed to participate in the assembly. On the other hand, men, farmers, artisans had been given the rights of democracy. Whereas, in a democracy the rights are provided without any discrimination on the ground of sex and work. However, we can say, that this was the beginning of democracy.