The author laments the fall of Rome with a tone similar to those in ancient Greek tragedies. The friends of Rome—kings, princes, merchants, pilots, navigators, and sailors—each take turns expressing their grief. In stark contrast, Christians are called to rejoice. But it is not the ruin of Babylon that should be celebrated (why gloat over others’ suffering?). Instead, what is being celebrated is the final restoration of divine justice. This city primarily symbolizes Rome, the empire’s capital. However, the symbol of the Apocalypse also applies to every idolatrous and self-sufficient city—a city that builds a closed system for the privileged few, characterized by unrestrained consumption, apathy toward the poor and oppressed, and a disregard for human life.