The first thing that comes to mind when most people think of Athens is democracy. While it is true that the Athenians did invent democracy, it only existed for short periods of time, the longest being 100 years, and was very different from democracy as we know it today. Athens originally had a monarchy system, but these kings were replaced by archons. Archons were rulers, at first serving alone but later in groups, who were elected to rule Athens for one year. Later these archons were chosen by lottery and later still, replaced by the Democracy system Athens is known for today. Athenian democracy was separated into 3 parts: The Assembly, The Council, and The Courts. Each part was elected differently and had a different function. The
