Willy is correct - a good portion of John's visions are "repeats" of previous curses and wrath poured out on disobedient Israel/Judah using the language of the prophets which is highly symbolic and poetic.
Revelation is mainly about the judgement of the whore:
Rev 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
(Mat 23:35 KJV) That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
Mat 23:36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!