During the two-year respite, the Nephites certainly bolstered their defenses; but in this ancient “arms race,” the Lamanite/Gadianton army with equal certainty was gearing up for a massive assault. The result is a “horrible scene of… blood and carnage” that surpasses Mormon’s ability to describe. The Lamanite/Gadianton army outnumbers the Nephites, probably with an overwhelming presence.
Although enemy losses are high in capturing Desolation, the first city north of the narrow pass, Nephite losses are also great. Even more important, their percentage of loss would also be greater than numerically comparable losses among the Lamanite/Gadiantons.
Chronology: The 366th year would be A.D. 357.