This challenge is relatively simple: with a POD after the division of the Roman Empire in 395 CE, have there be at least five million Samaritans by 1900.
 

Philip

Donor
I think you need to avoid the Samaritan revolts and ensuing massacres around the turn of the VI Century.

With the parable of the Good Samaritan (who the ECF often interpreted as representing Christ) and St Photini, the Samaritans have a relatively positive portrayal in the Gospels. Replace Zeno's persecution of the Samaritans for an ATL favoring of them over the Jews. This could avert the Samaritan rebellions and might even encourage the growth of their population.

Having the Romans play the Samaritans and the Jews off each other will likely cause other problems, but it could meet the challenge.
 
Top