Early heresiarchs were typologically modeled on Simon Magus

Evidence

Simon is the first heresiarch and becomes a model that other heresiarchs are perceived to follow: a false message, demonically inspired miracles, sexual debauchery with his followers, and ultimately, death and defeat dealt by God through the agency of his saints. — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 133

Categorization

• DEFINE: Defines Simon Magus as the archetypal heresiarch whose errors later heretics supposedly repeat.