Omri

Omri was the sixth king of the northern kingdom of Israel, founding the Omride dynasty that dominated Israelite politics for about forty years. He came to power around 885 BC after a brief civil war against the rival claimant Tibni (1 Kings 16:21–22). He purchased the hill of Samaria and built a new capital there, a strategically well-chosen site that remained Israel's capital until its fall to Assyria (1 Kings 16:24). Omri's international significance is confirmed by Assyrian records that referred to Israel as 'the house of Omri' (Bit Humri) for a century after his dynasty ended. Despite his political acumen, the Bible condemns him for surpassing all his predecessors in apostasy (1 Kings 16:25–26).