A. Sutherland – AncientPages.com – Simon the Sorcerer (or Simon the Magician) is a Biblical figure and Samaritan religious leader mentioned in Acts 8: 9-24. He lived at the turn of the 1st-2nd century AD and was a magician and miracle worker.
Simon’s fall – a painting byBenozzo Gozzoli, 1462). Public Domain
He was born in an ancient village called Gitta (Gitton) in the country of Samaria, which historical and Biblical name is related to the central region of the Land of Israel, bordered by Judea to the south and Galilee to the north. Simon’s name became famous, and people called him “Magus” because of his magic arts and also because, in his teachings, he announced himself as the “great power of God.” Thus, he won many followers.
Source: AncientPages.com – Read rest of the article here