We know that the magi were wise men from "the East," most likely Persia, or modern-day Iran. This means the wise men traveled 800 to 900 miles to see the Christ child. Most likely, the magi knew of the writings of the prophet Daniel, who in time past had been the chief of the court seers in Persia.

Shrine of the Magi is the largest, most artistically significant, and, in terms of its content, most ambitious reliquary of the Middle Ages. The relics were brought to Cologne from Milan in 1164.

From about 1190 to 1220 a number of artisans worked on the shrine in the workshop of the goldsmith Nicholas of Verdun and in workshops in Cologne and along the river Meuse that continued his work

The gilded sarcophagus kept in the cathedral in Cologne, Germany where the bones of the holy three kings are believed to be residing today. Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa brought them there from Italy back in 1161.

Ornamentation on the shrine includes gold- and silver-embossed, fire-gilded figures, filigree panels set with precious and semi-precious stones, intaglios, and cameos, and columns, arches and profiles trimmed with enamels. The images depicted on the shrine include scenes from the history of salvation from the dawning of time to the Last Judgment.

Although the shrine was shortened by one axis after being hidden from French revolutionary troops in 1794, it was largely restored to its original shape during the most recent period of restoration, which lasted from 1961 to 1973.

Cameo with Medusa Head, 1st Cent. after Christ

Apostle Bartholomew Apostle Juda Thaddeus

Adoration of the Magi

Adoration of the Magi

Cameo with Head of Ruler, 2nd Cent. before Christ Baptism of Christ

Shrine of the Three Holy Kings, David Side

Shrine of the Three Holy Kings, Solomon Side

Nero Cameo, 1st C. after Christ Head of a Ruler, 1st Cent. after Christ

Lion Heads under the Ridge Ornament

Gem with Dancer, 1st Cent. before Christ. Shrine of The Three Kings Nicholas of Verdun c. 1190

Hunting Frieze, Battle of Riders

Hunting Frieze, Battle with Lion

Hunting Frieze, Boar Hunt

Venus Gem, 1st Century before Christ

John, New Creation from Fritz Zehgruber, 1969 King David

Prophet Amos Prophet Habakkuk

Seraph Prophet Ioachim

The Three Kings with King Otto IV Last Judgement

The intention in the Middle Ages was that the shrine would be placed in the crossing. Today, however, it rises above the medieval high altar at the back of the inner choir, making this area the main focus of the Gothic cathedral, which was built as a stone reliquary for this precious shrine.

Detail from the Three Kings Screen, c 1332-1349

The coffin with the remains of the Three Holy Kings is brought to Constantinople. Saint Helena in front of the shrine; the shrine is transferred to Milan

Detail from the Three Kings Screen, c 1332-1349

Sound: '12 o Clock', by Vangelis

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Arangement: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda