Magi, << MAY jy or MAJ eye, >> were the hereditary members of a priestly class from Media, an ancient kingdom located in what is now northern Iran. A single member of the class was called Magus. The Magi were known for practicing magic, interpreting omens and dreams, and offering astrological sacrifices.
The Magi’s vast knowledge of rituals gained them the reputation as the only true priests of Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian religion founded by a prophet named Zoroaster. It is not known whether the Magi influenced Zoroaster, or if they became his followers. The Magi were said to keep watch upon a “Mount of the Lord” from generation to generation until a great star appeared that would signal the coming of a savior.
From this tradition comes the narrative in the New Testament about the wise men who followed a star to Bethlehem and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus. According to one tradition, there were three wise men—Melchior, Balthasar, and Gaspar. The Magi are frequently connected with Persian religious tales and are often shown in early Christian art wearing Persian clothes.
