The Samaria city is a typical Hel. city with a high cultural level and economic prosperity. It was well connected to Rhodes and traded with it. In fact, Rhodian jar handles are found in large quantities in the city. The city worshiped Egyptian and Greek deities. After Alexander's conquest, it passed to the Ptolemies and then the Seleucids.
The population of Samaria City consists of two main populations, Jews and Arabs. In addition to Jews, Samaria is home to some Arabs and other minorities. The city is about forty miles north of Jerusalem and 25 miles from the Mediterranean Sea. It is located on the main N-S ridge road, which is part of the Pal Mountain range. The valley below Samaria is fertile, and the palace overlooks the river and barley fields.
The city was once surrounded by Syrians. The Syrians besieged Samaria city. During the siege, some residents resorted to cannibalism to survive. Thankfully, God's intervention saved the city. The population of Samaria today is a bit smaller than it once was. However, the city's past is worth exploring. There are plenty of stories about this city.
The ancient city of Samaria was a major center of the northern Kingdom of Israel. It was founded by King Omri in the early ninth century B.C.E. and was the home of the infamous queen, Jezebel. It had strategic value and a fertile area. Although the city suffered several attacks, it remained Israel's capital for almost one thousand years until it was conquered by the Assyrian Empire in 722 B.C.E.