Samaria, also known as Sabasṭiyah or Sebaste, is an ancient town located on a hill northwest of Nāblus in the West Bank territory. This region, historically referred to as Mount Ephraim in the Bible, is situated in central Palestine.
Geographically, Samaria is situated in the central part of the mountains of western Palestine. It is bordered by the River Jordan to the east, the Plain of Sharon to the west, the Plain of Jezreel (Esdraelon) to the north, and the valley of Ayalon to the south. The area, excluding East Jerusalem, is known within Israel by its biblical names, Judaea and Samaria.
Samaria holds significant historical and religious importance. According to Samaritan tradition, the Samaritan people are believed to be descendants of the northern Israelite tribes who were not deported by the Neo-Assyrian Empire after the destruction of the Kingdom of Israel. They consider Samaritanism to be the true religion of the ancient Israelites, viewing Judaism as a closely related but altered religion.
The region’s historical significance can be traced back to biblical times. It was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Omri and his son, King Ahab, in the 9th century BCE. The city of Samaria was established by King Omri as his royal capital, and it became a center for political, economic, and cultural activities.
During the Roman period, the city was renamed Sebaste by Herod the Great in honor of Emperor Augustus. Herod constructed impressive buildings and monuments in Sebaste, including a temple dedicated to Augustus. These structures showcased the Roman influence and grandeur in the region.
Today, Samaria, or Sabasṭiyah, remains an important archaeological site, attracting visitors who are interested in exploring its rich history. The ruins of ancient structures, such as the Roman theater and the remains of Herod’s palace, offer glimpses into the past glory of this ancient city.
Although located in the West Bank territory under Israeli administration since 1967, the region’s historical and cultural significance extends beyond political boundaries. Samaria’s location in central Palestine and its association with biblical narratives make it a site of interest for historians, archaeologists, and religious scholars alike.
Samaria, also known as Sabasṭiyah or Sebaste, is an ancient town in central Palestine with a rich historical and religious heritage. Its significance can be traced back to biblical times, and its ruins continue to attract visitors who seek to explore its fascinating past. Whether it’s for historical, archaeological, or religious purposes, Samaria remains a place of interest, inviting people to delve into its captivating history and draw their own conclusions.
What Is Samaria Called Today?
Samaria, an ancient town in central Palestine, is known as Sabasṭiyah today. It is alternatively referred to as Sebaste in some sources. This historical site is situated on a hill northwest of Nāblus in the West Bank territory. Since 1967, this area has been under Israeli administration.
Where Is The Biblical Samaria?
The biblical Samaria is located in the central region of the mountains of western Palestine. It is geographically bordered in different directions. To the east, it is bounded by the River Jordan, which serves as a natural boundary. In the west, it is bordered by the Plain of Sharon, a coastal plain along the Mediterranean Sea. Moving north, it is bounded by the Plain of Jezreel, also known as Esdraelon, which is a fertile plain in the northern part of Israel. Lastly, to the south, Samaria is bordered by the valley of Ayalon.
The biblical Samaria is situated in the central part of western Palestine, encompassing a region that stretches from the River Jordan to the Plain of Sharon, and from the Plain of Jezreel to the valley of Ayalon.
Are Samaria And Israel The Same?
Samaria and Israel are not the same. Samaria refers to a historical region that is located in the northern part of the West Bank, which is a territory in the Middle East. It is named after the ancient city of Samaria, which was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel in biblical times.
On the other hand, Israel is a modern-day country in the Middle East. It is located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea and shares borders with several countries including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. Israel was established in 1948 as a homeland for the Jewish people.
While there is some overlap between Samaria and Israel in terms of geographical location, they are not synonymous. Samaria is a specific region within the larger territory of Israel. It is important to note that the political and territorial boundaries in this area are complex and subject to ongoing disputes and negotiations.
Are Samaritans Israelites?
According to the Samaritan tradition, the Samaritans are indeed considered to be Israelites. They claim to descend from the northern Israelite tribes who were not deported by the Neo-Assyrian Empire after the Kingdom of Israel was destroyed. The Samaritans believe that their religion, known as Samaritanism, is the true faith of the ancient Israelites.
Here are some key points about the Samaritans and their relationship to the Israelites:
1. Ancestral connection: Samaritans trace their lineage back to the ancient Israelites who inhabited the region of Samaria. They believe that they are descendants of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, among others.
2. Separation from Judaism: While Samaritanism shares similarities with Judaism, the Samaritans consider their religion to be distinct from Judaism. They believe that Judaism evolved from the ancient Israelite religion but underwent significant changes over time, whereas Samaritanism has preserved the original teachings and practices of the Israelites.
3. Sacred texts: The Samaritans have their own version of the Torah, known as the Samaritan Pentateuch. It is written in a slightly different script and contains a few textual variations compared to the Jewish Torah. The Samaritans consider their version to be the authentic and unaltered Word of God.
4. Religious practices: The Samaritans observe a unique set of religious rituals and customs, which they believe to be in accordance with the ancient Israelite traditions. The most significant of these practices is the annual Passover sacrifice on Mount Gerizim, which holds great significance for the Samaritans.
5. Historical conflicts: Throughout history, the Samaritans have faced difficulties and conflicts with other religious groups, including Jews and Christians. These conflicts have often been rooted in differences of religious beliefs and practices.
It is important to note that the historical and religious claims made by the Samaritans are subject to debate and interpretation. Scholars continue to study and analyze the origins and development of the Samaritan tradition in relation to ancient Israelite history.
Conclusion
Samaria is an ancient town located on a hill northwest of Nāblus in the West Bank territory. It is also known as Sabasṭiyah and Sebaste. Geographically, Samaria is situated in the central region of the mountains of western Palestine, bordered by the River Jordan to the east, the Plain of Sharon to the west, the Plain of Jezreel (Esdraelon) to the north, and the valley of Ayalon to the south. The district of Samaria, also referred to as Mount Ephraim in the Bible, is a significant geographical area in the historical and religious context of the region. Additionally, Samaritan tradition claims descent from the northern Israelite tribes who were not deported by the Neo-Assyrian Empire. They consider themselves the true followers of the ancient Israelite religion, distinguishing themselves from Judaism, which they see as a related but altered faith. Samaria holds both historical and religious significance, making it an important location in the region of western Palestine.
