Who named the 3 Kings?

[scrabble]

In the Bible the Magi aren't named but it seems to be common knowledge that they were called Balthazar, Casper and Melcheor, so where did this information come from, originally?

[Quizmonster]

The earliest reference to these names appears to have been in a Greek text of the 6th century AD. They are also mentioned in a 9th century Latin manuscript from Ireland which was originally supposed to have been written by the Venerable Bede. You'll find more information if you click http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and
_Carols/Biographies/concerning_the_magi_and_their_na.htm

[simon_says]

Quizmonster must have the best search engine in the universe! Copy and paste have never been so effectively used.

[Quizmonster]

Simon, I never copy and paste anything other than URLs. I prefer to paraphrase website information, as I did above, and also provide the link. That way, the questioners have an answer and can leave it at that or - if they choose - they can confirm and get more depth just by clicking. The best of both worlds for them. Google is generally recognised as the most effective search-engine and that's the one I use when I need it.

If you meant your comment kindly, I thank you for it. Cheers

[simon_says]

It was a light-hearted comment. It was meant as a compliment, as your answers are, in the norm, very informative and you obviously take a bit of time to research them, which is why this site is so damn good!

[firefly]

The information given on the website Quizmonster's website seems to back up the fact that although its 'common knowledge' that these Magi were called 'Balthazar', 'Caspar' and 'Melcheor' it is very unlikely that the Magi were called these names and even less likely they were all Kings. Many people believe that the Magi didn't exist at all, they were just representing of Jesus serving the rich, and the shepherds representative of Jesus serving the poor.