The ancient Greeks and Romans were famous for their scientific and philosophical advancements. A strong reason for there being a significant decline in scientific advancement (i.e. the dark ages), was that there was no separation between Church and State. Even Kings had to bow before the Catholic church, so nobody could publicly push forward any radical ideas without being labelled a heretic.
What is your religion? If it's a desert religion then there were obviously others before it.
Their technology and advancements were based on their religion, for the most part.
I'm actually a polytheist, don't laugh at me
Originally Posted by Torian
If you've given yourself wholly into anime yet not living in Japan, given yourself a japanime name on every forum/game you visit, have wall scrolls and go to anime conventions, then you've obviously given up manhood a long time ago.