The wise men, also known as the Magi, were likely from Persia or Babylon. They were learned men who studied astronomy, astrology, and other sciences. Their visit to Jesus was significant because it demonstrated that Jesus' birth was not just a local event but a global one. The wise men's journey to find the Messiah also foreshadowed the spread of Christianity to the Gentiles. While the Bible does not provide much information about the wise men, their visit has become an important part of the Christmas story and Christian tradition.