Look to Archimedes and his inventions. Perhaps Mathematics, Ballistics, make Archimedes' Screw a tech instead of a bonus. Also, Syracuse was big on using mercenaries, so there's an avenue for you to explore techs (Mercenary Captains is an idea). Syracuse was first to use the Gastraphetes, so a bonus (trainable 1 phase earlier) or tech there. And feel free to crib ideas from Delenda Est.