The Nephites had gathered to "the center of our lands" (3 Nephi 3:21). Apparently the robbers were closing in on the Nephites from at least two sides, the north and the south (see 3 Nephi 4:1). Whether the robbers closed in from the east and the west is not specifically mentioned; however, the phrase "center of our lands" seems to imply as much. Additionally, in 3 Nephi 4:16 it says that the robbers came up on all sides to lay seige. The Nephites seem to have gathered to a hilly area because the robbers had to "come up" to battle against them (3 Nephi 4:4).