What are the seven heads and ten horns usually understood to represent?
The seven heads and ten horns are usually understood to represent the revived Roman Empire, a consortium of ten nations coming out of old Roman Empire territory, often identified with Europe’s common market or European community. The imagery also pictures a bestial government, and sometimes Satan is pictured as the seven heads, indicating his power and authority.
Les teaches that the beast in Revelation chapter 13 is first and foremost the revival of the old ancient Roman Empire. It is called a beast because the government will be so bestial in its operation, with no concern for human rights or the individual, yet it is still a government. Les explains that the seven heads, ten horns, and ten crowns are a twofold picture. Sometimes Satan is referred to as the seven heads, indicating his power and authority. But usually the seven heads and ten horns are understood as the revived Roman Empire, a consortium of ten nations coming out of old Roman Empire territory. Les sees this emerging in Europe as the common market or European community. He notes the number may vary: it started with seven in the 1970s, then got to ten, and in his time was up to twelve, possibly fourteen or fifteen, but by the signing of the seven-year treaty it will be back at ten. He says this will be shown throughout the study of Revelation.