Images of the Three Magi in Rome

The Adoration of the Magi, Santa Maria Maggiore

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January 6th is the Feast of the Epiphany (Festa dell' Epifania), which celebrates the revelation (theophany) of God to the Gentiles, as represented by the Magi, who are called in Greek Magoi (Latin Magi: ‘magicians’ or ‘astrologers’).  

The only gospel to mention the event is that of Matthew (2: 1-12). In the tenth century the three Magi (a number not specified by Matthew, but deduced to accord with their three gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh) began to appear as kings. The three kings came to be known by a variety of names, standardised in the Middle Ages as Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar. 

​In the earliest depictions, the Magi wear Persian pants and sport Phrygian caps, references to their origin in the east. 

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5th Century Mosaic, Santa Maria Maggiore

5th Century Mosaic, Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria in Trastevere

4th Century Sarcophagus, Vatican Museums

4th Century Bas-relief, Vatican Museums

Bas-relief by Pier Paolo Olivieri (1551-99), Santa Pudenziana