Technology (gained throughout history) moreso than tools. For example, the Romans had concrete, (and it's a kind we still use occasionally), but we have about 1,000 different types of concrete, all with different mechanical properties and capabilities.

We have concrete water can flow freely through. We have concrete (well, more accurately techniques of building concrete forms) which has strength in tension. We have concrete which can bend, we have concrete which is astoundingly light. We have concrete we can can pump, and we have concrete which we can mechanically compact.

But when it comes to tools - aside from transporting concrete - we still use forms, screeding boards, and trowels in a dozen different shapes. Even the best concrete surfacing tools are trowels spun with a motor.