This final war includes modes of warfare that the Nephites have not previously experienced. Earlier wars did not aim at the mass destruction of whole populations. Indeed, the populace is seldom involved. Such a distinction between combatants and noncombatants was not unusual in ancient warfare. Taking men prisoners is expected, but Mormon notes that women and children are now being targeted, apparently part of the new style of warfare. It is clearly a development resulting from Gadianton influence on Lamanite armies which, in Mesoamerican terms, shows the historical influence of Teotihuacan on the Maya region. (See 4 Nephi, Part 1: Context, Chapter 1, “Historical Background of 4 Nephi” and Mormon, Part 1: Context, Chapter 1, “Introduction to the Book of Mormon.”)