We three kings...

[javasaurus]

If I mention "We three kings" most of you probably start humming the song, and you probably think of three richly garbed men on camels covered in dust and sand from their long journey approaching the baby Jesus and presenting Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. But why do we think of them as kings, and why three? Mathew mentions wise men, and lists three types of gift, but I can't find an ennumeration of the wise men, nor can I find them listed as kings.

OK, I should follow the advice I often give to others and check google and wiki before posting. This wikipedia article answers all my questions and much, much more. It's an interesting, and I think balanced, bit of info about the wise men from the east. Enjoy!