Rome was the only power which at this time could be symbolized in prophecy, as its dominion was universal.

It is not without good reason, therefore, that Pagan Rome is considered among Protestant commentators to be the power indicated by the great red dragon.

And it may be a fact worth mentioning that during the second, third, fourth, and fifth centuries of the Christian era, next to the eagle, the dragon was the principal standard of the Roman legions; and that dragon was painted red.
There is but one objection we need pause to answer before passing to the'next symbol.

Is not the dragon plainly called in verse 9, the devil, and Satan?
How then can it be applied to Pagan Rome?
That the term dragon is primarily applied to the devil, there seems to be no doubt; but that it should be applied also to some of his chief agents, would seem to be appropriate and unobjectionable.

Now Rome being at this time pagan, and the supreme empire of the world, was the great, if not almost the sole, agent in the hands of the devil for carrying out his purposes.
Hence the application of that term to the Roman power.
The next symbol to engage our attention is the leopard beast of chapter 13, to which the dragon gives his seat, his power, and great authority.
It would be sufficient on this point to show to what power the dragon, Pagan Rome, transferred its seat and gave its power.