History · 6 · Jehu and Elisha
Samaria fell around 722 BCE
After Israel's last king withheld tribute and sought Egypt's help, Assyria besieged Samaria for years. A once-mighty kingdom became an imperial province.
Two centuries of power ended in a single siege.
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Assyria's King Sargon claimed he exiled 27,290 people and resettled foreigners in Samaria. But archaeologists estimate only 10–20% of the region's population was deported, so many remained to carry on Israel's traditions.
Bible reference: 2 Kings 17
Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 95–97
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