However, there are other clues that seem to point to Nero. According to Revelation 13.1-3 the beast receives a mortal wound in battle, but is resurrected to fight again. After Nero died in 68 there were rumors he was not actually dead, but that he had gone into hiding in Parthia to the east to await time to resurrect his throne in Rome. Three impostors actually came forward claiming to be Nero and two were well received in Parthia as possible leaders. No one really knows for sure.
Theories abound incriminating nearly every political and religious leader across time.
However, I read the Revelation as a letter of hope written specifically to seven churches in Asia Minor during the first century. From these words, written to men and women of faith, I too can draw hope that God will be victorious in all things in all times even over one called the beast.