 A meticulous researcher, Tierney studied the Roman era and Gnosticism for this series featuring the magician-warrior.Simon of Gitta also features in Tierney's novels "The Gardens of Lucullus" (with Glenn Rahman) and "The Drums of Chaos".Simon is a Samaritan ex-gladiator whose sorcerous abilities allow him to survive encounters with an array of evil priests, emperors and hideous creatures.