213. How Three Wise Men Became Three Kings

In this episode of Empire, hosts Afua Hirsch and William Dalrymple, along with guest Professor Lloyd Lewellyn-Jones, delve into the evolving stories and traditions surrounding the Magi, or Three Wise Men, exploring how different cultures and historical periods have shaped their identities and roles in the Nativity story. They discuss the origins of the names Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar, and how various Christian traditions, including Syriac and Armenian churches, offer unique perspectives. The conversation covers the influence of Zoroastrianism, the emergence of the Magi as kings, and the impact of the Reformation and the Age of Discovery on their portrayal in art and theology, while also addressing the importance of preserving ancient Christian artifacts in Syria.