That's actually a debatable element of history in the bible, Hamlet. It's not an all agreed-upon, case-closed factoid. Notwithstanding that Bible preachers love to talk about history, and many do bring up that point of John possibly talking about Nero.

No one knows who and exactly what John was refering to other than what's said in the text. Going beyond that is getting into some kind of Dan Brown novel.
The only one's debating it are big haired preachers, clergy, those who use it to threaten believers. Those that have something to loose by the facts..namely filled pews, or lost sales of the book 'The Late Great Planet Earth'.

True scholars who have an understanding of the era, politics, Hebrew mysticism..i.e. Kabala, and what was going on with John and the Temple in Israel only discuss and debate minor issues.

Nero wanted to promote himself as a god like the Egyptians had done so effectively, and was having an idol of himself built in the Temple in Israel. The Hebrews were absolutely loosing their minds over this. John was exiled on the island of Cypress and, not wanting to get his head cut off, was badmouthing the Emperor in a code, and symbolism the people he was writing to would understand.

With an understanding of the history, it's all right there. 666 was Kabalic numerology for a name--Nero. They know who (what countries) he was talking about when refering to the four horsemen, etc. ..right on down the list.

There is an early text that's been found in Egypt that says 616 instead of 666. If this is accurate the numbers work out to the name Caligula, who was just as demented as Nero and fits into the same scenerio just as easily.

But people love Revelations and wouldn't give up the bullshit around it for anything. You can see a zealots eyes light up with excitement and awe whenever he starts talking about all the terrible things that are supposed happen. Like their lives are so miserable they can't wait for it to happen. It will probably take another two thousand years for them to decide that maybe all this 'end of days' stuff is a bunch of phewy.
Hamlet Reviewed by Hamlet on . MICROCHIP IMPLANT , MARK OF THE BEAST AN HE CAUSETHALL,BOTH SMALL AN GREAT,RICHAN POOR,FREEAN BOND,TO RECIEVE A MARKIN THEIR RIGHT HAND,OR IN THEIR FOREHEADS Rating: 5