Nephite Decline and Downfall

Additional Lamanite Attacks and Holocaust

Mormon 4:6–9

In Mormon’s 54th year, the Lamanites attack the city of Teancum, but the Nephites are able to hold their ground, advance upon the Lamanites, and even regain Desolation.

And it came to pass that the Lamanites did make preparations to come against the city Teancum. And it came to pass in the three hundred and sixty and fourth year the Lamanites did come against the city Teancum, that they might take possession of the city Teancum also. And it came to pass that they were repulsed and driven back by the Nephites.

And when the Nephites saw that they had driven the Lamanites they did again boast of their own strength; and they went forth in their own might, and took possession again of the city Desolation. And now all these things had been done, and there had been thousands slain on both sides, both the Nephites and the Lamanites.

Mormon 4:10–12

Two years later, the Lamanites strike back on the Nephites, and an indescribably horrific battle ensues, all while both the Lamanites and Nephites wallow in wickedness.

And it came to pass that the three hundred and sixty and sixth year had passed away, and the Lamanites came again upon the Nephites to battle; and yet the Nephites repented not of the evil they had done, but persisted in their wickedness continually.

And it is impossible for the tongue to describe, or for man to write a perfect description of the horrible scene of the blood and carnage which was among the people, both of the Nephites and of the Lamanites; and every heart was hardened, so that they delighted in the shedding of blood continually. And there never had been so great wickedness among all the children of Lehi, nor even among all the house of Israel, according to the words of the Lord, as was among this people.

Mormon 4:13–14

The Lamanites obtain the edge over the Nephites, conquer Desolation, and advance upon Teancum, where they take prisoners, and sacrifice the women and children to idols.

And it came to pass that the Lamanites did take possession of the city Desolation, and this because their number did exceed the number of the Nephites. And they did also march forward against the city Teancum, and did drive the inhabitants forth out of her, and did take many prisoners both women and children, and did offer them up as sacrifices unto their idol gods.

Moroni 9:1–26

Mormon writes a letter to his son Moroni, telling him about the terrible conquest of the Lamanites, the corruption of both people, and prays for the grace of God.

The second epistle of Mormon to his son Moroni.

Mormon 4:15

The Nephites, furious that their women and children had been sacrificed, attack the Lamanites, and successfully drive them out Nephite lands.

And it came to pass that in the three hundred and sixty and seventh year, the Nephites being angry because the Lamanites had sacrificed their women and their children, that they did go against the Lamanites with exceedingly great anger, insomuch that they did beat again the Lamanites, and drive them out of their lands.