There are many anicent nations that really accomplished alot, the romans for instance had aquaducts, heated floors and many such things, the egyptions, the greeks are still remembered.
And just because America uses "free" in every sentance does not make it so, it may shock you but we all dont cower in corners hating freedom and being shut up by government. We do have free press, most of europe does. no ifs, no buts, we do. deal with it. The BBC is just one media that is linked to the government, even in america government tv is influced by the government, public media is free to write what it wants, thats why you see "Blair is a failure" on the paper every damn week. Also shockingly enough europe does not chew bones in a savage corner, we do have fundemental rights, I really want to know how you get these idea that America is the only andmost free of all, its not. thats arrogence. Anyway, back to the topic im going with 3 people, the ancient greeks, romans, and the Old Eqyption Kingdom.