Bible Locations

Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, built by King Omri around 880 BC on a hill he bought from Shemer for two talents of silver (1 Kings 16:24). It was a strong, well-placed city, about 35 miles north of Jerusalem, with views over the plains to the Mediterranean. Ahab built a temple to Baal there and an "ivory house." Arameans besieged Samaria, causing a terrible famine, until God scattered them (2 Kings 6 and 7). Prophets like Amos and Hosea condemned its luxury and injustice. The Assyrians captured it in 722 BC after a three-year siege, deported its people and settled foreigners there (2 Kings 17). Later, the region was called Samaria, home of the Samaritans. Jesus met the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. Philip preached there. Herod rebuilt the city as Sebaste. Excavations found Ahab's palace, carved ivories and the Samaria ostraca.