The plague was a factor in the demise of Rome, but it was not the factor. Mary Beard's SPQR discusses some that are not always mentioned today, perhaps because they are too close for comfort for Europe and the USA or too political. I recommend reading Beard's book.
I interpreted it as an omen of sorts. many dynasties believed plagues, natural disasters, famine were markers of decline.
ex) Dutch empire. There was a plague + ponzi finance bubble in the same decade. The gilder never recovered after this point began to steadily lose value and roughly 150 years later, Dutch empire was no more.
One can't help but wonder if America is on the same trajectory.
Roman elites' unwillingness to go on long military campaigns themselves and increasing reliance on foreign personnel who quickly figured out that it is easier and safer to simply turn against their paymasters than risk lives in far away lands.
Im not making the connections the top comment is. Her SPQR books are nice alternative history from a real historian. At a guess the parent comment is referring to some cultural aspects based on earlier roman and not our current judeo-christian values in the west. An emphasis on biological advancements, moralality that serves status hierarchy and empire, “polycule” style relationships in military and socioeconomic units, a different view on “sanctity of life.” Off the top of my head.
