<P> Encyclopædia Britannica states : `` according to Western church tradition , Balthasar is often represented as a king of Arabia , Melchior as a king of Persia , and Gaspar as a king of India . '' These names apparently derive from a Greek manuscript probably composed in Alexandria around 500 , and which has been translated into Latin with the title Excerpta Latina Barbari . Another Greek document from the 8th century , of presumed Irish origin and translated into Latin with the title Collectanea et Flores , continues the tradition of three kings and their names and gives additional details . </P>
<P> Encyclopædia Britannica states : `` according to Western church tradition , Balthasar is often represented as a king of Arabia , Melchior as a king of Persia , and Gaspar as a king of India . '' These names apparently derive from a Greek manuscript probably composed in Alexandria around 500 , and which has been translated into Latin with the title Excerpta Latina Barbari . Another Greek document from the 8th century , of presumed Irish origin and translated into Latin with the title Collectanea et Flores , continues the tradition of three kings and their names and gives additional details . </P>
where in the east did the magi come from
where in the east did the magi come from
Arabia Persia India
Arabia Persia India