No, eschaton, we certainly don't want to add to the book of Revelation that which isn't there. But let's not forget verse 19 which talks about taking away from the book.
Since you understand the progression of nations from Babylon to Media-Persia to Greece to Rome, what power ruled after the fall of the Roman Empire? It had to rule for 1260 years and it must be a world power equivalent to those that proceeded it. And, it must receive its seat, power, and authority from Pagan Rome which is called the dragon in Rev 12 and 13.
In fact, the beast (nation or power) is described with several identifying characteristics in Rev 13. Whatever we arrive at for this beast must fit all of this characteristics (this is all from Rev 13:1-10):
1. Arises from the sea (a populous area)
2. He has ten crowns (distinct kingdoms)
3. He receives his power, seat, and great authority from the dragon (pagan Rome) so he must succeed Pagan Rome (The Roman Empire)
4. He receives what appears to be a deadly wound
5. The whole world wonders (marvels) after him
6. No other beast is like (as great) as this beast (power)
7. No one can make war with this beast (demonstrates its vast military resources, in fact, ten kingdoms)
8. He has a mouth that speaks great things and blasphemies
9. He makes war with the saints (continues the war started by dragon in Rev 12:17)
10. He has authority over ever tribe, nation, tongue, and people.
11. The whole world (it seems) worships him
Points 10 and 11 show this to be a world-wide entity.
After the period alloted for this beast to reign another beast appears arising out of the earth, that unpopulated area. Remember, I am considering the 1260 days as prophetic time from the perspective of John's vision so I also consider each day to represent a year. This has been the key which has unlocked the prophecies of Daniel and I apply it here. I believe it unlocks this prophecy as well.
So if America is that beast with the lamb-like horns which arose out of the earth as described in Rev 13:11, then the beast we are trying to identify fits into the following time slot:
Babylon
Media-Persia
Greece
Pagan Rome
beast of Rev 13:1
America
So the solution is to find the power that reigned after Pagan Rome, before America arose, and had authority over all nations, tongues, tribes, and peoples. Plus, all the other characteristics listed above. Especially the military might of ten kingdoms which made it nearly impossible for anyone to make war with this power.
BTW, a quick search for "iron monarchy" on the net will list several hits. And, a little research will reveal what power ruled the earth after the fall of the Roman Empire and that it did indeed receive a deadly wound just about the same time America was ratifying its Constitution. This is more than coincidental. But you may want to keep the answer to yourself. If you reveal it here you may cause quite a commotion.
The March of Nations helps identify the beasts of Rev 13
No, eschaton, we certainly don't want to add to the book of Revelation that which isn't there. But let's not forget verse 19 which talks about taking away from the book.
Since you understand the progression of nations from Babylon to Media-Persia to Greece to Rome, what power ruled after the fall of the Roman Empire? It had to rule for 1260 years and it must be a world power equivalent to those that proceeded it. And, it must receive its seat, power, and authority from Pagan Rome which is called the dragon in Rev 12 and 13.
In fact, the beast (nation or power) is described with several identifying characteristics in Rev 13. Whatever we arrive at for this beast must fit all of this characteristics (this is all from Rev 13:1-10):
1. Arises from the sea (a populous area)
2. He has ten crowns (distinct kingdoms)
3. He receives his power, seat, and great authority from the dragon (pagan Rome) so he must succeed Pagan Rome (The Roman Empire)
4. He receives what appears to be a deadly wound
5. The whole world wonders (marvels) after him
6. No other beast is like (as great) as this beast (power)
7. No one can make war with this beast (demonstrates its vast military resources, in fact, ten kingdoms)
8. He has a mouth that speaks great things and blasphemies
9. He makes war with the saints (continues the war started by dragon in Rev 12:17)
10. He has authority over ever tribe, nation, tongue, and people.
11. The whole world (it seems) worships him
Points 10 and 11 show this to be a world-wide entity.
After the period alloted for this beast to reign another beast appears arising out of the earth, that unpopulated area. Remember, I am considering the 1260 days as prophetic time from the perspective of John's vision so I also consider each day to represent a year. This has been the key which has unlocked the prophecies of Daniel and I apply it here. I believe it unlocks this prophecy as well.
So if America is that beast with the lamb-like horns which arose out of the earth as described in Rev 13:11, then the beast we are trying to identify fits into the following time slot:
Babylon
Media-Persia
Greece
Pagan Rome
beast of Rev 13:1
America
So the solution is to find the power that reigned after Pagan Rome, before America arose, and had authority over all nations, tongues, tribes, and peoples. Plus, all the other characteristics listed above. Especially the military might of ten kingdoms which made it nearly impossible for anyone to make war with this power.
BTW, a quick search for "iron monarchy" on the net will list several hits. And, a little research will reveal what power ruled the earth after the fall of the Roman Empire and that it did indeed receive a deadly wound just about the same time America was ratifying its Constitution. This is more than coincidental. But you may want to keep the answer to yourself. If you reveal it here you may cause quite a commotion.