Hello! This sandbox page is a dedicated space for working on my Wikipedia skills. The following is an early draft for an article about the wars as seen in Alma 52-67 in the Book of Mormon.
Zoramite War
editZoramite War | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Nephites |
Lamanites Zoramites | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Nephihah Captain Moroni |
Lamanites King Zerahemnah | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
Unknown | Unknown | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
Light | Heavy |
In 74 B.C. a group of Nephites fled and joined the Lamanites. The group then invaded the Nephites.
Background
editThe Zoramites, who had established themselves in the land of Antionum, were known for their deviation from Nephite religious practices. They rejected the traditional worship of God and established their own form of worship, which included the infamous Rameumptom prayer, where they thanked God for making them superior to their brethren (Alma 31:12-23). This led to the prophet Alma and his companions embarking on a mission to reclaim the Zoramites, but their efforts were largely unsuccessful. As a result, the Zoramites allied themselves with the Lamanites, creating a significant threat to the Nephite nation.[1]
The War
editThe war began shortly after the failed mission to reclaim the Zoramites. The combined forces of the Lamanites and Zoramites posed a significant danger. Captain Moroni, known for his strategic brilliance, took command of the Nephite armies to face this new threat. [1]
The battle occurred in the land of Antionum, with the Nephites employing various defensive strategies. Despite being outnumbered and facing a formidable enemy, Captain Moroni’s leadership and the faith of the Nephite soldiers resulted in a decisive victory for the Nephites. The Zoramites and Lamanites suffered heavy casualties, while the Nephites maintained their defenses and preserved their territory.[2]
Aftermath
editMoroni commands the Lamanites to make a covenant of peace or be destroyed—Zerahemnah initially rejects the offer, and the battle resumes. As Moroni’s army gains significant ground, Zerahemnah and his army surrender and enter into a covenant with Captain Moroni to not come against the Nephites in battle anymore.[3]
Amalickiah War Background
editAmalickiah Coup against the laminates | |||||||
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Leader of the coup Amalickiah | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Amalickiah forces | Lamanites Monarchy | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Amalickiah |
Lamanite King † Lehonti † |
Amalickiah uses treachery, murder, and intrigue to become king of the Lamanites—The Nephite dissenters are more wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites. About 72 B.C.[4]
Background
editAmalickiah attempted to be king of the Nephites, however after Moroni raises the title of liberty and rallies the people to defend their religion. Amalickiah and the dissenters flee to the land of Nephi.
The Coup
editAfter fleeing with his followers into the wilderness, Amalickiah made his way to the land of Nephi among the Lamanites. There, he used his cunning to incite anger among the Lamanites against the Nephites. The Lamanite king, stirred by Amalickiah, issued a proclamation calling his people to arms. The Lamanite General, Lehonti, was reluctant to fight and deserted with a large part of the Lamanite army. In response to their hesitation, the king appointed Amalickiah to command the obedient portion of his army and compel the others to fight.
Amalickiah, with deceitful intentions, convinced Lehonti, to meet him under the pretense of an alliance. Amalickiah proposed that Lehonti surround and capture the Lamanite army under his command, in exchange for making Amalickiah second in command. Lehonti agreed, but Amalickiah had one of his men slowly poison Lehonti, eventually leading to his death. With Lehonti gone, Amalickiah was appointed as the new leader of the Lamanite army.
Assassination of the King
Now in command, Amalickiah marched to the city of Nephi, where he met the Lamanite king. Under the guise of loyalty, Amalickiah orchestrated the king's assassination by having one of his servants stab the king during a customary greeting. Amalickiah then manipulated the situation, blaming the king's fleeing servants for the murder. With the king dead and his servants gone, Amalickiah seized control of the city, married the queen, and secured his position as the new king of the Lamanites, setting the stage for further conflict with the Nephites.
Aftermath
editAmalickiah incites the Lamanites against the Nephites.
Amalickiah War
editAmalickiah War | |||||||
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Part of The Nephite-Lamanite Wars | |||||||
Nephite raid led by Teancum attacking Amalickiah | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Nephites | Lamanites | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Helaman Nephihah # (until 67 B.C.) Pahoran (from 67 B.C.) Captain Moroni Teancum † |
Amalickiah † Ammoron † | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
Nephites Army City garrisons 2000 Stripling warriors | Unknown; large Lamanite armies | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
Moderate | Heavy |
Around 72-57 B.C. This is seen in chapters 49-62.
Background
editAmalickiah stages a coup to take over the Lamanite kingdom. He started his way to power by first convincing Lehonti, a dissenting Lamanite leader, to join forces under the guise of an alliance, only to poison him gradually and assume command of the Lamanite army. He then orchestrated the assassination of the Lamanite king, framing the king's servants for the murder, which allowed him to seize control of the kingdom by marrying the queen and becoming the new king. Amalickiah's rise to power was marked by treachery, deceit, and murder, setting the stage for further conflict with the Nephites.
The War
editEarly Battles
editThe initial clashes between the Nephites and Lamanites under Amalikiah's command were mild. Amalikiah's forces where slow to advance into the territory due to the fortifications built by Captain Moroni.
Fortifications
editCaptain Moroni, known for his strategic genius, had spent years preparing for potential invasions by constructing a series of advanced fortifications across Nephite lands. These fortifications included high walls, trenches, and towers, making direct assaults difficult and costly for the Lamanites. The fortifications were not just physical barriers but also psychological ones, as they instilled confidence in the Nephite defenders and sowed doubt among the Lamanite invaders. The Nephites' ability to repel the initial attacks without suffering heavy losses was a testament to the effectiveness of Moroni's preparations.
Killing of Amalickiah
editAs the war dragged on and the Lamanite advances stalled, Amalikiah grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress. Driven by anger and a desire to personally lead his forces to victory, Amalikiah moved directly to the front lines, abandoning the safety of his command position. His presence was meant to inspire his troops, but it also exposed him to great danger. During a pivotal moment in the campaign, Teancum, a brave and cunning Nephite leader, launched a surprise night raid on the Lamanite camp. Under the cover of darkness, Teancum infiltrated the camp and found Amalikiah asleep in his tent. With swift precision, Teancum killed Amalikiah, striking a blow that would change the course of the war. The death of their leader threw the Lamanite army into disarray, demoralizing the troops and undermining their resolve. This assassination marked a significant turning point in the conflict, giving the Nephites a much-needed advantage and shifting the momentum in their favor.
Death of Nephihah
editThe Chief Judge, Nephihah, passed away during the height of the war. Nephihah had been a stalwart leader, guiding the Nephite nation through tumultuous times with wisdom and fairness. The Nephite people mourned the loss of their judge. His son, Pahoran, was appointed the new Chief Judge and Governor of the land.
Kingman Rebellion | |||||||
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Part of Amalickiah War | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Nephites | Lamanites | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Pahoran Captain Moroni | Multiple | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
Unknown | 4000 | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
Minor | 4000 |
King-men revolt
editThe war's external pressures were compounded by internal dissent among the Nephites, culminating in the king-men revolt. A faction within the Nephite society, known as the king-men, sought to overthrow the government and establish a monarchy, believing that a king would better lead the nation. This revolt was not merely a political disagreement but a significant internal conflict that threatened to tear the Nephite nation apart. The king-men's desire for power weakened the Nephite war effort by diverting resources and attention away from the external threat posed by the Lamanites.
During this tumultuous period, Pahoran, who had succeeded Nephihah as the Chief Judge, faced the daunting task of preserving the Nephite government while also repelling the Lamanite invasion. The king-men's uprising gained momentum, forcing Pahoran, to call on Captain Moroni for help. Despite the challenges, Captain Moroni proclaimed that all men must defend the county or be put to death, with this he was able to put down the revolt, rallying the loyal Nephites to defend the country. However, the distraction caused by the king-men revolt allowed the Lamanite forces to exploit the weakened Nephite lines. The delay in reinforcing the frontlines gave the Lamanites a significant advantage, enabling them to launch a series of successful offensives that pushed deep into Nephite territory.
The king-men attempted to rebel agin near the end of the war, however despite a misunderstanding between Pahoran and Captain Moroni, the king-men are defeated
2000 Stripling Warriors
editWhen war breaks out between the Nephites and Lamanites, the people of Ammon, moved at seeing the Nephites take up arms to defend them and themselves, consider breaking their earlier oath to never take up weapons again. When Helaman urge them not to do so, instead 2,000 of their sons—who had not sworn their parents' oath—mobilize for the war effort under the leadership of a prophet named Helaman. they are called the "stripling warriors". Helaman calls them "my sons", and they are also called "the sons of Helaman". The stripling warriors and Helaman have no prior military experience.
The stripling warriors fight alongside the Nephite army and participate in successful efforts to retake lost Nephite territory. Though every soldier is wounded at one time or another, there are no fatalities among them. Helaman considers this turn of events a miracle owed to the 2,000's great faith, cultivated from the instruction by their mothers/
The original 2,000 "sons of Helaman" are later joined by sixty more, making a total of 2,060
Killing of Ammoron
editFollowing Amalikiah's death, his brother Ammoron took command of the Lamanite forces. He continued the campaign against the Nephites with renewed vigor but was ultimately killed in a raid lead by Teancum. Despite Teancum death, the raid and Ammoron's death marked the end of the Lamanite's aggressive campaign and led to a period of temporary peace.
Aftermath
editIn the years that followed, the Nephites worked to rebuild their society and reinforce their defenses. The sacred records, which were central to Nephite religious and cultural identity, were passed down from Helaman to his brother Shiblon, ensuring that their history and sacred teachings would be preserved for future generations. This period also saw the death of Moroni, a revered leader whose military and moral leadership had been instrumental in securing Nephite victories.
As the Nephites sought peace, some of their people became restless and began to seek opportunities beyond their traditional lands.
Great Peace
editNephite-Lamanite Unified Society United Nephite-Lamanite Nation | |||||||||||
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c. 34 AD–c. 201 AD | |||||||||||
Status | Unified Nation | ||||||||||
Capital | Zarahemla (traditional) | ||||||||||
Common languages | Reformed Egyptian (script) Hebrew dialects (spoken) | ||||||||||
Religion | Christianity | ||||||||||
Government | Theocratic Republic | ||||||||||
Historical era | Post-Resurrection Era | ||||||||||
c. 34 AD | |||||||||||
• Beginning of societal divisions | c. 201 AD | ||||||||||
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Nephite lamitire War
editLast Nephite-Lamanite War | |||||||
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Aftermath of the Battle of Cumorah Moroni Receives the Plates from Mormon by C.C.A. Christensen | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Nephites | Lamanites | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Moroni | Lamanite commanders | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
Nearly total destruction | Unknown |