According to John Sorenson, the final destruction of the Jared ruling line could have been as early as 580 B.C. or as late as 400 B.C. . . . the archaeological record is now quite settled on about 550 B.C. for the end of the First Tradition. The Book of Mormon does not tell us enough to allow a more precise determination, although I believe a date toward the earlier end of that span is preferable. The archaeological record is now quite settled on about 550 B.C. for the end of the First Tradition. (See illustration) [John L. Sorenson, An Ancient American Setting for the Book of Mormon, p. 119]
Ether 15:19 They were given up . . . that they might be destroyed (Illustration): Chart: A comparison of events and conditions in Mesoamerica, the Book of Mormon, and the ancient Near East. (Earlier dates are represented at the bottom, as they would be in archaeological excavations.) [John L. Sorenson, An Ancient American Setting for the Book of Mormon, p. 118]