"Man by nature is a political animal."

The earliest known origins of the concept of citizenship can be traced to ancient civilizations including Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. Nonetheless, there were significant cultural and historical differences in the particular rights and obligations connected with citizenship.

Citizenship in Ancient Greece, especially in city-states like Athens, was linked to political engagement and specific privileges like the ability to vote in assemblies and hold public office. But it was usually restricted to male landowners; women, slaves, and foreigners were not included.

Citizenship changed throughout time in Ancient Rome in a similar way. It was first restricted to Roman men, but as the Roman Empire rose, so did its reach. In 212 AD, during the reign of Emperor Caracalla, the Constitutio Antoniniana bestowed Roman citizenship for citizens of the empire who were liberated. 

The foundation for citizenship's evolution throughout history as a legal and political concept was created by these early examples.

During history, a number of political theorists, legislators, and philosophers have influenced the framework for citizenship. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle was one of the first and most important people to conceive the idea of citizenship. In "Politics," Aristotle examined the rights and responsibilities of citizens in community governance and examined the concept of citizenship in the framework of the city-state (polis).

Thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and John Locke made ground breaking contributions to the evolution of contemporary ideas of citizenship throughout the Enlightenment. For example, Locke championed the social contract theory and natural rights, emphasising the agreement of the governed in the formation of political societies. 

Fun Fact: The English word "idiot," is derived from the Greek word, "idios."  "Idios," in Greek translates to "one who has no professional knowledge."  This term was used to describe a person in society who is only concerned with themselves.  People who were not concerned with participating in public affairs.