Samaria

Palestinian site which was the capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel. After a sporadic Early Bronze Age occupation, the city was founded by Omri, king of Israel, in 880 BC, and the earliest, and very fine, buildings and planning are attributed to him and his son, Ahab. Influence of the Phoenicians is visible, especially in a collection of carved ivories comparable to those of Nimrud. To c 800 belongs a group of ostraca, throwing light on political conditions and the development of the Hebrew script. The site continued to be occupied after its destruction by the Assyrians c 721 BC. It regained importance in the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Omri had a palace defended by walls of ashlar masonry.

Central Palestinian town site which was occupied, after a sporadic Early Bronze Age occupation, from the 9th century bc until the Byzantine period. The first six phases of occupation were Israelite and indeed Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdon) (Israel) at this time. Excavations have concentrated on the royal palace, which was burned down by the Assyrians when they captured the city in 720 bc, and have also examined the Hellenistic fort and Roman temple which occupied the summit of the hill at later dates.