A tribe living in Samaria, who objected to the building of the Temple by the Jews, and brought the matter to the attention of Darius (Ezra, 4:9, 5:6, 6:6). They had been transported to Samaria by Asnapper (Ezra, 4:9). Their identity has not been fully established. It appears probable that the term has been misunderstood and designates in reality certain officials. See APHARSITES.