As part of Moroni’s military strategy, he concealed his army “down into the borders of the land Manti” (Alma 43:32). Assuming a Mesoamerican setting, and according to the geographical theory of David Palmer, going down into the headwaters of the Grijalva River, the largest ruins in the area are called “La Libertad,” and are located between several branches of the headwaters. They were inhabited as early as 600 B.C. (Chiapa III time period). Ceramic affiliations continued to be with the Central Depression of Chiapas, but in the period from 300 B.C. to 50 B.C. there were other influences. Just as would be expected based on Book of Mormon descriptions of movements between Nephi and Zarahemla, there are also cultural affiliations with Kaminaljuyu. (Warren, 1978:57) La Libertad was abandoned during the Chiapa VI Phase, sometime between 50 B.C. and A.D. 100. All indications point to La Libertad having been the city of Manti, which was located at the head of the River Sidon… . In fact, a Lamanite retreat towards Nephite territory of Manti can be explained by the fact that the Lamanites were trapped in a box canyon at the base of the divide, by forces of Moroni and Lehi. The fact that Manti is never mentioned subsequent to the battles in 62 B.C. is completely consistent with the archaeological record. Although the site is only seven kilometers from the Pan American Highway, it is unfortunately very difficult to reach. An unusual feature of the mounds themselves is the large amount of obsidian and pottery exposed on the surface. While the town was functioning the people must have been particularly active. Perhaps it was abandoned because it was in such a vulnerable position, being right on the frontier. [David A. Palmer, In Search of Cumorah, pp. 184-185]
Geographical [Theory Map]: Alma 43:27-32 The Nephites Divide & Conceal Themselves (18th Year)
Geographical Theory Map: Alma 43:34-35 The Lamanites Come into the Valley & Are Encircled (18th Year)
Alma 43:37 Their swords and their cimeters, which brought death at every stroke ([Illustration] (91) Replica of one type of cimeter used by the Maya and surrounding peoples. Photo by Studio J. [Jerry L. Ainsworth, The Lives and Travels of Mormon and Moroni, p. 190]