The helot system is the thing that should make us most uncomfortable about the 'admirable Sparta' discourse. A terror state maintained by annual warfare declarations against enslaved people is not a model for anything.

Solo Spirit Island is meditative in a way that competitive games are not. No social anxiety, just the puzzle.

The Kalinga edicts are historically unique. I can't think of another ancient ruler who publicly expressed remorse for a military victory and used that remorse as a basis for policy reform.

The Delphi sanctuary's wealth — accumulated through offerings from across the Greek world over centuries — made it a target for multiple raids and a stake in multiple Greek political conflicts. Sacred wealth had very secular implications.

Great point about Rome. I'd add that start with the basics and master them