Athenian democracy came first, established in the early 5th century BCE, while the Roman Empire emerged much later, around the 1st century BCE.
The Athenian system of democracy was a direct form of governance where citizens participated in decision-making. This system allowed them to vote directly on laws and policies, symbolizing one of the earliest forms of democratic rule in history. Pericles, a prominent Athenian leader, was instrumental in its development during the Golden Age of Athens.
On the other hand, the Roman Republic began to develop in 509 BCE but transitioned into the Roman Empire only after the end of the Republic. This transformation was marked by events like Julius Caesar’s rise to power and Augustus’ declaration as the first emperor in 27 BCE. While Rome had republican elements, the Empire itself represented a significant departure from democratic principles.
In summary, Athenian democracy, a groundbreaking political system, predates the Roman Empire by several centuries, highlighting the different paths of governance that these ancient civilizations took.