Background
Classic Civilizations, such as Greek/Hellenistic, Roman, and Han China all made important contributions in science and technology.  These achievements had a lasting impact on future cultures, and many of these discoveries are still in use around the world today.

Greek / Hellenistic
Ancient Greek and Hellenistic cultural achievements span two different eras.  The Ancient Greek golden age occurs under the leadership of Pericles in the 5th century BCE.  These achievements were mainly confined to the city-state of Athens, where a strong economy and good government created the conditions necessary for such advancements.

The Hellenistic golden age occurs under the leadership of Alexander the Great, who conquered an empire stretching from the Greek mainland all the way to the Indus River Valley.  Hellenistic society was a blending of Greek, Egyptian, Persian, and many other cultures that gave rise to advancements in math, science, art, and literature.

Art & Architecture
Greek artists portrayed the human figure in idealized realism.  Paintings and sculptures show humans in the perfect form.  Greek architects build elaborate buildings using marble and the Greek column.  The most famous example of Greek architecture is the Parthenon in Athens.  Many buildings around the world today use Greek architectural ideas.   

Math & Science
Greek mathematician Pythagoras, developed a formula to calculate the relationship between the sides of a right triangle, a method still in use today.  Aristarchus, a Greek astronomer, discovered that the earth rotated on its axis, and revolved around the sun.  Eratosthenes discovered that the earth was round, and accurately calculated its circumference. Euclid wrote a book called The Elements, which is the basis for modern geometry.  A Greek scientist named Archimedes tried to use science for more practical matters, he showed how the use of a lever and pulley system could lift just about any weight.

Medicine
Hippocrates, a 5th century BCE physician, studied the causes of illnesses and experimented with various cures.  He is also credited with creating a set of ethical standards for doctors called the Hippocratic Oath.

Han China  
China enjoyed a true golden age under the Han.  Many cultural and intellectual achievements came as a result of the strong leadership of the Emperor Wudi.  Under Wudi, China strengthened both its government and economy, setting  the conditions for the golden age.  

Science & Invention
Han scientists wrote textbooks on subjects ranging from zoology to botany and chemistry.  They were advanced astronomers, which enabled them to create more accurate clocks.  Han scientist also invented the process to make paper from wood pulp; they invented the rudder for use on ships, and created other such useful devices as the fishing reel and the wheelbarrow.

Medicine
Han physicians developed acupuncture to alleviate pain and to treat various illnesses.  They also made use of certain plants as herbal remedies.  They were able to diagnose and successfully treat various illnesses with these techniques.

Art & Architecture
Han artists and architects are noted for their detailed carvings in jade, wood, or ivory, and the building of elaborate temples.  The also refined the process of silk making, which set the standard in China for centuries.

Roman Empire
The Roman Republic was founded in 509 BCE.  The government was run by elected officials called Senators, who were chosen from the upper class called Patricians.  The lower class, Plebeians, made up the majority of the population and were generally farmers, artisans, and merchants.

By 270 BCE, Rome controlled all of Italy.  They also soon conquered Carthage, Macedonia, Greece, and parts of Asia Minor. This expansion led to civil war and the end of the Republic when Julius Caesar took power in 48 BCE.  After his murder, Caesar's grandnephew, Augustus, became Emperor.  This began a 200 year long peace called the Pax Romana.  The Pax Romana became a time of cultural and intellectual achievements for Rome.

Art & Architecture
Roman art and architecture is a blending of Greek and Roman elements.  In art, Rome copied many Greek statues, but also produced a more realistic style of portraiture art instead of the idealized forms favored by the Greeks. In architecture, Rome used Greek columns, but modified them to be more elaborate, as well as using the arch and dome quite extensively, something the Greeks did not do.  An example of Roman use of arches and domes can be seen in the Pantheon.

Engineering
The Romans built engineering marvels across their empire, such as roads, harbors, and bridges,.  They were well known for the building of aqueducts, which were bridge like structures used to carry fresh water across long distances. In Segovia, Spain the Roman aqueduct still functions today.

Science and Medicine
As with Hellenistic civilization, Alexandria, Egypt remained a center of learning under the Romans. In Roman controlled Alexandria, the astronomer - mathematician Ptolemy proposed that the earth was the center of the universe.  The geocentric model offered by Ptolemy was the accepted view until Copernicus offered the heliocentric, or sun centered theory of the universe. In medicine, the Greek physician Galen compiled an encyclopedia that became the standard medical text until the Islamic doctor Ibn Sina wrote his Canon on Medicine.