Hi Michael and Doves,

The seven heads you mention are presumably the 7 heads of the Beast of
Revelation 13.    They symbolise the seven "crowned" empires which have
existed in the Fertile Crescent of the Middle East in the past.   The Beast
which arises out of the Sea in Revelation 13, is believed to be the 8th and
last "Empire" to arise at the end times.   (see Revelation 17:8-11 -
particularly v. 11.)

I wrote some articles about this subject last year.

The urls are http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/oct2005/ear1012.htm
             http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/oct2005/ear1019.htm
             http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/oct2005/ear1026.htm

Sorry these are so long, but I wanted to be thorough in making sure all the
details fitted.

Some people believe this "end-times" Empire is a Revived Roman Empire.
I don't believe that interpretation - The Beast described in Revelation 13 is
composite animal - part Leopard, part Bear and part Lion, and is empowered by
the Dragon (Satan).     The Leopard = Alexander the Great's Kingdom; the Bear
= the Persian Kingdom; and the Lion = Babylonian Kingdom. (Daniel 7:3-8)
These three Empires had nothing to do with Rome.

The geographical areas covered by these three previous Empires are now
occupied by Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Egypt,
and Libya.    I therefore believe this 8th Empire is the presently rising
Islamic Empire, and its ?? leader; who will attempt to rule the World in
cooperation with the 2nd Beast who rises out of the earth. Revelation 13:11-
18 - sometimes called the Anti-Christ or False Prophet.

In Revelation 13 and 17 John expands Daniel's four Empires into 6  + 2 to come.
The abovementioned articles will explain it.