Daniel 7 - Babylonian Empire

Daniel 7:4
4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.

606 +/- B.C.  Head of gold - Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
When Assyria declined Babylon (the  land of Shinar) rose once more to dwell in imperial power under Nebuchadnezzar (604-561). Nebuchadnezzar is remembered in the Old Testament for his destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish people. In Babylonia he was celebrated as the builder who made Babylon the most splendid city in the world. The original city stood on the right (west) Bank of the Euphrates River. Nebuchadnezzar extended to left bank as well and built a stone bridge across the river. The city was in the shape of a square, surrounded by massive tower Walls. Palaces and temples were of vast dimensions.
In Daniel's interpretation of the image in Daniel 2 the head of gold was symbolic both of Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom - Babylonia.  As gold is the chief of metals so here in Daniel 7 the lion - the chief of beasts.  In Daniel 4:33.34 Nebuchadnezzar because of pride was given the heart of a beast and lived in the fields and ate grass as oxen and grew hair as eagles wings. After 7 years he came back to his right mind and gave glory to God.  God restored his heart, his throne, his servants and his honor. This fall and restoration of  Nebuchanezzar and the Babylonian kingdom is clearly seen in Daniel's vision of the lion above.
Daniel 4:29-37 (symbolism fulfilled) 29 At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. 30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by themight of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? 31 While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a  voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. 32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. 33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. 34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? 36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. 37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.