Samaria

Views from Sebastia 18

Samaria, George Adam Smith

גבעות יצהר

Dothan, where Joseph was sold by his brethren American Colony, Jerusalem

Deportation of Jews by Assyrians

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Achaemenid coin minted in Samaria, dated c. 375-333 BC

Samaria refers to a historical and geographical region in the Middle East, known for its significance in ancient times, particularly in the contexts of the Bible, history of Israel, and archaeology. It was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after its split from the United Monarchy under Solomon. The region is bounded by the Jordan River to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the Jezreel Valley to the north, and the Judean mountains to the south.

History

The history of Samaria is deeply intertwined with the biblical narrative and the history of the ancient Near East. After the death of King Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel split into two: the northern kingdom, retaining the name Israel, and the southern kingdom, known as Judah. The first king of the Northern Kingdom, Omri, purchased the hill of Samaria and made it his capital. This decision was strategic due to Samaria's defensible hilltop location and its fertile surroundings.

Samaria experienced periods of prosperity and significant architectural development under Omri and his successors, notably Ahab, who expanded the city and built impressive structures, including his Ivory House. However, the region also faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with neighboring kingdoms and internal strife.

The Assyrian conquest of Samaria in 722 BCE marked the end of the Northern Kingdom, leading to the deportation of many Israelites and the resettlement of the area by peoples from other parts of the Assyrian Empire. This event is a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites, often referred to as the Assyrian Captivity or the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel.

Archaeology

Archaeological excavations in Samaria have uncovered significant findings that provide insight into the region's history, culture, and architecture. Key discoveries include the remains of Omri's palace, Ahab's Ivory House, and various artifacts that attest to the prosperity of the region and its interactions with neighboring cultures. These findings have been crucial in understanding the material culture of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and its place in the broader context of the ancient Near East.

Biblical References

Samaria is frequently mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, reflecting its importance in Jewish and Christian traditions. In the Hebrew Bible, Samaria is often depicted as the center of idolatry and sin, contrasting with Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, which is portrayed as more faithful to the worship of Yahweh. The New Testament mentions Samaria in the context of the early Christian mission, notably in the story of the Good Samaritan and the account of Jesus' interactions with Samaritans, which challenged contemporary Jewish prejudices against the inhabitants of the region.

Modern Samaria

Today, the term "Samaria" is often used in political and historical discussions about the region, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The modern administrative and geographical definitions of Samaria vary, but it generally refers to the northern part of the West Bank, encompassing several Israeli settlements and Palestinian towns.