What sets Athens apart from its neighbors and adversaries?

What sets Athens aside from its adversaries and neighbors apart is their system of democracy. During the Golden Age of Athens, Pericles gave all citizens the right to vote regardless of their social status. This gave citizens in Athens the freedom to voice their opinions in important matters. During the golden age of Athens, culture and trade proposed and opportunities for its citizens were vast. More importantly, everyone in the city had rights and representations which was rare during that period.