Collier's New Encyclopedia

A complete general encyclopedia of 1921 — the world as it was understood just after the Great War, from Aachen to Zwingli, across twelve volumes and six thousand pages.

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Three Kings

the name given in the Roman Church to the Magi, who came from the East to adore the Infant Jesus (Matt. ii: 1-12). They are probably called kings from Psalm lxxii: 10, which verse is used as an antiphon in the office for Epiphany. According to tradition, their names were Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, and on their return to the East they received baptism. The Empress Helena is said to have brought their bones to Constantinople, whence they were removed to Milan, and afterward to Cologne. The Chapel of the Three Kings, built by the Emperor Maximilian (1459-1519), in Cologne Cathedral, is supposed to contain their relics.

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