In 508 BCE, the Athenian noble Cleisthenes introduced a series of reforms that laid the foundation for the first democratic system. He broke the power of the traditional aristocratic families by reorganizing the citizens into ten 'tribes' based on their place of residence (demes) rather than wealth or lineage. This encouraged people from different backgrounds to work together. He also expanded the Council of 500 (Boule), which prepared the agenda for the Assembly, where all male citizens had the right to speak and vote. This 'direct democracy' was radical for its time, though it excluded women, enslaved people, and foreigners. His reforms shifted the focus of loyalty from the clan to the city-state (polis), creating the political environment that fueled the Golden Age of Athens.