“3043 : 279”

Alan C. Miner

As quoted in Mosiah 9:18-19, the ratio of Lamanites killed (3043) to Nephites (279) is very disproportionate. Could the reason for this be the defensive fortifications? Two sites have been proposed for the area to which Zeniff and his people returned. At Mixco Viejo (Hauck) there are plateaus on top of steep inclines. Were these the "walls" referred to in Mosiah 9:8? Does Kaminaljuyu (the site of Lehi-Nephi for Sorenson and Allen) have any remnants of fortified "walls"? What would have afforded the people of Zeniff the protection such that they would achieve an 11 to 1 kill ratio? [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes]

Step by Step Through the Book of Mormon: A Cultural Commentary

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