Definition

Proper noun 1. An ancient capital city: Samaria was the capital city of the ancient northern Kingdom of Israel, founded in the 9th century BC. 2. A historical region: The name also refers to the central region of ancient Palestine surrounding this city, located between Galilee to the north and Judea to the south. The archaeological site is in present-day northwestern Jordan.

Usage Examples

• As a city:
  • The king built a magnificent palace in Samaria.
  • Archaeologists are excavating the ruins of ancient Samaria.
• As a region:
  • The parable of the Good Samaritan is set on the road to Samaria.
  • In the first century, tensions existed between Judea and Samaria.

Advanced Usage

• Samaritan: A demonym (noun) for a native or inhabitant of Samaria.
  • The Samaritans had their own version of the Torah and worshiped at Mount Gerizim.
• Samaritan (adjective): Of or relating to Samaria or the Samaritans.
  • They followed Samaritan religious customs.

Variants and Related Words

• Samaritanism: The religion and traditions of the Samaritans.
• Samaria is also the name of a modern administrative district in Palestine.

Synonyms and Related Terms

• Sebaste: The Hellenistic and Roman-era name for the city of Samaria.
• The Northern Kingdom: Referring to the Kingdom of Israel, for which Samaria was the capital.
• Central Palestine: A geographical description of the region.

Notes on Meaning

The word Samaria carries significant historical and religious meaning, particularly in Jewish, Christian, and Samaritan traditions. It denotes not just a physical location but also a distinct cultural and political entity in antiquity, often contrasted with Judea.

Noun

1. an ancient city in central Palestine founded in the 9th century BC as the capital of the northern Hebrew kingdom of Israel; the site is in present-day northwestern Jordan