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Despite successfully negotiating terms that spared Athens, Phion's efforts came at a heavy price: the city's autonomy was relinquished, placing Athens under direct Macedonian control. Consequently, the famed democracy that once thrived in the city faded into obscurity, becoming a testament to the fragility of democratic ideals.
The Lessons of History: A Modern Reflection
The story of Athens serves as an enduring warning for contemporary society. The downfall of its once-renowned democracy illustrates that no political system is infallible; its effectiveness is predominantly influenced by the willingness of its participants to engage in informed discourse and bear the responsibilities of citizenship.