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The Mystery of the Three Kings
Matthew describes the three men, not as kings, but as wise men or 'Magi'. Historic writings reveal that the Magi were priests who later became the religious masters of ancient Persia - which lies to the east of Israel.
Deep beneath the busy streets of Rome in the catacombs, there is evidence to support this theory - early Christian art depicts the Three Kings in the typical dress worn by ancient Persians.
The Magi were highly respected people, advisors to kings and great astrologers. They followed a prophet known as Zoroaster and this ancient mystical religion, which still exists today, also believed in the coming of a Messiah.
Searching early Christian manuscripts, the programme discovers that Zoroaster predicted the birth of Jesus and that Magi legend believed the birth of a son to Zoroaster would be announced by a star.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2002/12_december/06/mystery_threekings.shtml