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The Antichrist
In Christian belief, the Antichrist is an extremely evil man who will appear shortly before the end of the present age, during a period known as the End Times. Assisted by Satan, he will gain temporary control over the earth. While he is in power, he will persecute good people and reward wicked people. His lies and promises of rewards will dupe millions of people into supporting his rule. But eventually he and his followers will be defeated and condemned to eternal torture in hell.
Note: Some Christians symbolically identify the Antichrist with a sevenheaded beast that appears in the visions of the Book of Revelation.
Many early Christians believed that the Roman Emperor Nero was the Antichrist. During later periods the same accusation was made against some other major historical figures, including Charlemagne, Napoleon, Adolf Hitler, and even several popes. Some modern Christians expect the End Times to arrive very soon, and think that the real Antichrist is already alive and waiting for the opportunity to reveal himself.
This painting by the 16th-century German artist Matthias Gerung shows the seven-headed beast described in the Book of Revelations. Some Christians believe that this beast is a symbol of the Antichrist.
