Samaria means in the bible: Named after Shemer, the first owner of 1 Kgs. 16:24; Omri built this city and it became the capital of Israel’s kingdom. The Assyrians were unable to capture the city because it was located on a hill. 17:5-6. Herod rebuilt the temple and renamed it Sebaste. Samaria, the New Testament name for the entire central region of Palestine west from the Jordan, was used in New Testament times. Also see Samaritans.
(in Bible Dictionary)
