“Then I wanted to know more about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others; it was extraordinarily fearsome, with iron teeth and copper claws, and it was devouring and crushing, and trampling down what was left with its feet;"

Daniel 7:19

Notice that the 'fourth beast' (Rome) has 'copper claws'.

This description stood out to me while studying the chapter, because as we know 'copper' in Daniel 2 is the Greek Empire. (and expounded upon in Daniel 8)

So how can it be said that Rome had 'copper claws', which I'll suggest represent the 'instruments' (military strategy and weaponry) of Rome's military power?

Interesting note from history:

Ancient Roman military strategy, armor, weapons, and methods were derived almost solely from Greece.

The Roman soldier was almost indistinguishable from Greek 'hoplites'; they used the same strategy (phalanx) and in appearance, were almost exactly the same.

(note: Rome did advance the effectiveness of Greek methods, but as subtle permutation, rather than overhaul)

Anyone care to refute this point before I insert a 'mind blown' comment about the intricacy in the prophetic record?

Greek and Roman Military

Greek Hoplite