In the late 5th century BCE, Athens emanated as the first unconventional polis of mainland Greece. It was a time of great socio-economic reforms and the center of significant military, trading and political power made its home in Athens. It also became the foremost Democratic state in the history of humankind under the command of Solon in 508 BCE. The city of Athens prospered with a secure and extravagant culture of arts – music, theatre, and poetry – and of intellect – mathematics, architecture, and philosophy. Many influential philosophers turned to Athens including Anaxagoras and Protagoras who watered the roots of philosophy in the region.
Soon Athens became a leading center of Greek Philosophy, giving the subject some of its richest modern theories and ingenious eccentrics who crafted them. This was also the point where the focus of philosophy shifted from metaphysical concerns to a humanist approach to life and living.
