Researchers find evidence of ancient democracies from the Americas to Europe and Asia

NPR | By Ailsa Chang,

Mia Venkat, Tinbete Ermyas

Published March 19, 2026 at 4:03 PM EDT

NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with archaeologist Gary Feinman about new findings that show democracy existed throughout the ancient world and was not exclusive to Mediterranean Europe.

Ailsa Chang

Ailsa Chang is an award-winning journalist who hosts All Things Considered along with Ari Shapiro, Audie Cornish, and Mary Louise Kelly. She landed in public radio after practicing law for a few years.

See stories by Ailsa Chang

Mia Venkat

See stories by Mia Venkat

Tinbete Ermyas

SUSTAIN what matters. BUILD what’s next.

With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.