Exile in Assyria

People of the northern kingdom of Israel were taken into exile after their defeat by the Assyrians and the fall of Samaria. The Israelites were transported to Assyria in stages, starting with the upper strata of society. They were replaced by immigrants from other parts of the Assyrian empire. The Israelites had to share their land with these people when they returned from exile after the downfall of the Assyrians. This was the origin of the Samaritan people.