Sculpted marble
"The Three Wise Men
with a Royal Crown”
in a golden wooden frame
(Spain, 19th c.)
Magos Foundation Collection
WRITINGS OF THE CHURCH FATHERS OF THE SECOND CENTURY ABOUT THE THREE WISE MEN
The Gospel according to Matthew reveals little about the countries of origin of the Magi and their kingdoms. The writings of second-century theologians such as Justin of Nablus, Irenaeus of Lyon, and Clement of Alexandria shed light on the great history of these wise men. The Gospel according to Matthew speaks only of Magi and not of kings. This assimilation of Magi having the status of Kings appears with Tertullian of Carthage (2nd century), founder of Western theology.