The “seven heads” of the dragon, then, symbolize the directing and controlling powers which ruled the Roman empire,—the seven successive forms of government under which it existed. Rome was founded about B. C. 753, from small beginnings, on the summit of [pg 146] Mount Palatine, and gradually increased in extent, till it spread over seven hills: the Palatine, Capitoline, Aventine, Esquiline, Cœlius, and Quirinalia; and its population of about three thousand in the time of Romulus, increased to about two millions in the time of Augustus Cæsar.
Previous to the subversion of the empire, Rome existed under different forms of government, as follows:—
1. Kingly.—The first government established was a monarchy, and lasted two hundred and forty-four years, under seven kings, viz., Romulus, Numa, Tullus Hostilius, Ancus Martius, Tarquin Priscus, Servius Tullius, and Tarquin the Proud, who was afterwards expelled from the throne. This was denominated the infancy of the Roman empire.
2. Consular.—In B. C. 509, the constitution of Rome was remodelled, and the executive power committed to two consuls, to be elected annually. This commenced the “Commonwealth of Rome.”
3. Dictatorial.—The office of dictator was the highest known in Rome, and was only resorted to in cases of emergency. He was elected for six months only, and usually resigned his authority, which, for the time, was nearly absolute, as soon as he had effected the object for which he was chosen.
4. Decemviral.—In B. C. 451, the government was so changed, that, instead of the two [pg 147] consuls, the government was committed to ten men, to be chosen annually, and jointly exercise the sovereign power. After two years the decemvirs were banished, and the consular government was restored.
5. Tribunitial.—In B. C. 426, Rome having become a military state, military tribunes were substituted for the consular power, till B. C. 366, when the latter was again restored.
6. Pagan Imperial.—With the battle of Actium, B. C. 31, the Roman Commonwealth terminated; and Augustus Cæsar united in his own person not only the offices of Consul, Tribune, &c., but also that of Supreme Pontiff,—the head of the pagan hierarchy. This last office, says Gibbon, “was constantly exercised by the emperors.” Thus were united the highest civil and ecclesiastical powers of the state.
7. Christian Imperial.—In A. D. 312, the government was revolutionized, by the accession of Constantine to the throne. He effected important changes in the relations of the people to the monarch, opposed idolatry, and by the introduction of Christianity, effected a political change in the laws and administration of the empire. This continued, with a slight interruption under Julian the Apostate, till the subversion of the Western empire, A. D. 476.
Mr. Elliott, in explanation of the first five heads, says: “I adopt, with the most entire satisfaction, that generally-received Protestant [pg 148] interpretation, which, following the authoritative statement of Livy and Tacitus (the latter great historian, St. John's own contemporary), enumerates kings, consuls, dictators, decemvirs, and military tribunes, as the first five constitutional heads of the Roman city and commonwealth; then as the sixth, the Imperial head, commencing with Octavian.”—Horæ Apoca., vol. III., p. 106, 4th ed.