EVIDENCE: Lamanite Games at the Waters of Sebus (Alma 17:25–39; 18:1–7)

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

Though it seems strange to modern readers, the “practice of plunder” (Alma 18:7) among the Lamanites at the Waters of Sebus was probably much like a game—a game that followed specific rules. Ammon’s slaying of several men and smiting off the arms of others may appear harsh, but archaeological evidence shows that in many such ceremonial games the loser was killed. As examples of such deadly games, Hugh Nibley lists Aztec duels, chariot races of the princes, the ancient game of Nemi, “the Platanista, the Krypteia, the old Norse brain-ball, the hanging games of the Celts, and so on.” The most dramatic example of this phenomenon may be the ball games played in ancient Mesoamerica, wherein members of the losing team were often beheaded. (See Echoes, 478–479.)

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

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