This is an old, old newbie tip sheet written by AoR_Bremidon and posted over at RON Heaven. Rohag had linked to it recently, and so I thought it a good idea to dredge it up. However, I'd recommend you ignore the first comment:

Don't Rush to the second age unless you really have a reason. Getting the second level of each of the library techs before going to the 2nd age seems to be a pretty good idea. I sometimes skimp on the 2nd science and 2nd military depending on my civ.

As you know, I've stressed gettign to Classical as EARLY as possible to get going on the knowledge and to facilitate raiding.
posted by Tim at 10:03 AM