Final answer:
Samaria was established by King Omri as the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, which was later conquered and destroyed by the Assyrian Empire in 722 BCE.
Step-by-step explanation:
King Omri established Samaria as the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy into the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah. This region, Israel, was wealthier, larger, and more cosmopolitan than its southern counterpart, Judah. Following the split, the city of Jerusalem remained the capital of the southern kingdom of Judah. Samaria became significant as it served as the capital until the Assyrian Empire conquered and destroyed Israel in 722 BCE, an event that led to the loss of the distinct cultural identity of the Israelites there. Hence, the correct answer to the student's question is A) Israel.