Revelation 17-18

In 17:9 Jesus relayed to John the need for understanding to comprehend this vision. The beast with seven heads is seven hills and seven kings. Surely Jesus was referencing a city-state well known to all who read the book. But I don't think his focus was on the city itself. Rather Jesus was probably targeting those evil traits of that city; characteristics that have and will define people in persistent rebellion against God in all ages. Rather than focusing on one city in the span of time, whether past or future, I think we need to take solace that God's judgment will be declared on every civic authority that was more concerned with gratification than obedience.
Stuart