In [Matthew 2:1-3 (NET)](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+2%3A1-2&version=NIV), the author states:

>After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? **We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”**

Why would the Magi have automatically associated a star with kingship? Was there a historical/religious basis for doing so?