Is there historical evidence for the events described in 3 Nephi 8?

Thomas R. Valletta

“The account of the great destruction given in 3 Nephi 8 finds remarkable parallels with what modern seismology and vulcanology show about cataclysmic geological events and with historical reports of such catastrophes. Yet Joseph Smith never saw a volcano and never experienced a significant earthquake, nor is it likely he had read any substantial literature on the subject.

“But the region of Mesoamerica … is a place of continuing volcanic and seismic activity” (Peterson, “Mounting Evidence for the Book of Mormon,” 22).

The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish

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