Throughout history, there have been civilizations with people who impacted and played a big part to the development of later civilizations around the world: ways of living, types of governments, religions, etc. Many have once lived but not quite like the Golden Age of Athens (Greece during 480-404 BC). During the Golden Age of Athens, they considered itself the leader of Greece, dominating the other polis (city-states). Athens was under the leadership of Pericles during the height of the Golden Age. Pericles was a very prominent and influential individual who led the Athenians to glory. While other civilizations played a part in the development of later civilizations, the Golden Age of Athens was the most influential period that ever lived; giving us politics, arts, and philosophy. These are the building blocks of our very own civilization. Pericles was a strong believer in democracy; he believed everyone should have a say in what they think is right for the people and the polis. Democracy is made of two words: demos meaning “people” and kratos meaning “power”, thus meaning power by the people. Athens created a government with a type of democracy. There was a majority vote on important issues and elections, much like we have today in our very own civilization. Sinclair stated, “In contrast to the king who was responsible to no one, the Athenian official, whether selected by lot of by vote, had to answer to the people” (18). The officials in office had the responsibility to answer to the people who elected them. The people chose them to represent them and make decisions based on their needs and wants. In Athens, officials would serve for one year and weren’t allowed to serve again with everyone participating in everything. Although, those who participated had to be an adult male over the age of 18 and also had to have participated for two years in the military. Women didn’t have much of a say in ancient times, they were looked at like housewives really an