Redaction: As already noted, one of Mormon’s sources had to be organized by years, a scheme known from the Anales de Cuauhtitlan and various Mesoamerican codices. This type of source becomes more apparent when Mormon notes the passage of years so close together. The sixteenth year (v. 2) had no significant event but “continual peace.” Possibly the source noted several events, but none that interested Mormon (disturbances of the peace). On the other hand, the Anales de Cuauhtitlan gives years during which nothing is recorded but the passage of time. Even in the absence of information, Mormon appears to be following a similar chronicle form.
Chronology: The seventeenth year of the judges would correlate to approximately 77 B.C.