Samaria, also known as the Shomron, is a historical and biblical name used for the central region of ancient Kingdom of Israel, in present-day northern West Bank. The area is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea on the west and the Jordan River on the east.
The original city of Samaria was set on a hill by King Omri of Israel in the 9th century B.C. The city later became the capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel. After various conquests, Samaria was fully settled by Herod the Great, who named it Sebaste in honor of Emperor Augustus.
The area is known for its rich history. Archaeological findings illustrate its long history, which includes Ancient Israelite, Byzantine, and prehistoric ruins among others. Today, Samaria is highly significant due to its biblical references and heritage.
However, its current status has been the subject of controversy and conflict between Israel and Palestine. The Israeli government refers to the territory as part of the administrative region of Judea and Samaria, while many international bodies consider it Palestinian land occupied by Israel. The region predominantly consists of Jewish and Palestinian Arab populations.
