All techonolgy the currently exists is stll exclipsed by the technology that was weilded under the Infinite Empire. When it disappeared, the knowledge was lost, and then found again slowly. During the catclysmic wars fought, technology (even planets) were lost. Tech. has been reset numerous times over the history.
If Atlantis (is there is such a place) had running water, culture, and electricity, yet was gone in an instant, that information would not be transfered on, and in time it has to be re-invented.
Additionally, why does it matter anyway?