Renewed excavations at Samaria-Sebaste, originally explored by Harvard University in the early 1900s, have uncovered a stone-paved ceremonial street from the Herodian period, leading from the city center to the main gate (see here). The street, once lined with decorated columns now toppled, includes an ornate stone base that likely supported a monument, possibly marking a tower or temple entrance. In the Iron Age, King Omri purchased the hill of Samaria to establish it as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 16:23–24). Herod the Great later rebuilt and renamed it Sebaste in honor of Emperor Augustus. This discovery confirms Samaria’s significance as a political and religious center, as described in biblical accounts.
Source:
- Bible Archaeology: Ceremonial Street Unearthed at Samaria-Sebaste
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/03/first-dig-in-100-years-reveals-rare-discovery-at-biblical-israel-capital/
