There are two primary indicators that a civilization has reached its apex; 1) granting of rights to women, and 2) the acceptance of homosexuality. I'm not saying that those factors cause the decline of civilization, although that is certainly arguable, but they are the primary indicators of the apex of a civilization has been reached and the decline has begun. That's why patriarchal societies like Islam are still in ascension - women have no rights and gays are slaughtered like vermin. Patriarchal societies are strong, virile, and growth/expansion oriented. Weakness and victimhood isn't celebrated, it's stomped out. Inevitably, they will succumb to the pressure of the enlighteded liberal mentality, and when they do so, will grant rights to women. The decline will begin from there.