Did the ancient Athenians invent democracy?

Yes. Democracy was invented in Athens and used relatively successfully (compared to modern standards) for hundreds of years.
* Yes * There democracy was a direct democracy * In a direct democracy people decide laws and policies at mass meetings
Yes, Athens had a democracy. Pericles, a strong political leader, furthered and promoted Athenian democracy, but did not invent or have the idea of a democracy in Athens.