>or Atlantis …
That is less provable than Romans but I see your aim.
There was a point that science and the like became something of a classist thing.
whereas most of the "common folk" were ascribed physical labor.
and more intellectual endeavors began to be endorsed by the wealthier classes which in turn aided, used, abused, etc. the minds of those that volunteered, commanded, or coerced into performing.
Dose that make sense?
Once Intellectuality was shall we say… was proxied away from "commonry" and more inaccessible or survivably feasible to pursue, society's disparities and woes amplified?