<P> The classical Roman - Jewish historian Josephus wrote: </P> <P> (4) Now as to the country of Samaria, it lies between Judea and Galilee; it begins at a village that is in the great plain called Ginea, and ends at the Acrabbene toparchy, and is entirely of the same nature with Judea; for both countries are made up of hills and valleys, and are moist enough for agriculture, and are very fruitful . They have abundance of trees, and are full of autumnal fruit, both that which grows wild, and that which is the effect of cultivation . They are not naturally watered by many rivers, but derive their chief moisture from rain - water, of which they have no want; and for those rivers which they have, all their waters are exceeding sweet: by reason also of the excellent grass they have, their cattle yield more milk than do those in other places; and, what is the greatest sign of excellency and of abundance, they each of them are very full of people . (5) In the limits of Samaria and Judea lies the village Anuath, which is also named Borceos . This is the northern boundary of Judea . </P> <P> In biblical times, Samaria "reached from the (Mediterranean) sea to the Jordan Valley", including the Carmel Ridge and Plain of Sharon . </P> <P> At the beginning of the Common Era, the boundary between Samaria and Judea passed eastwards of Antipatris, along the deep valley which had Beth Rima (today's Beit Rima) and Beth Laban (today's Al - Lubban al - Gharbi) on its southern, Judean bank; then it passed Anuath and Borceos, identified by Charles William Wilson (1836--1905) as the ruins of' Aina and Khirbet Berkit; and reached the Jordan Valley north of Acrabbim and Sartaba . Mount Hazor also stands at that boundary . </P>

What is the significance of samaria in the bible