The Book of Mormon’s view of Nephite and Lamanite civilizations reveals many political and economic features that we now know were also characteristic of ancient societies, particularly those in Mesoamerica. Nothing in Joseph Smith’s limited education could have prepared him to actually invent such a consistent portrayal of Nephite and Lamanite government and society. Therefore, that Joseph translated the writings of ancient American peoples is the only logical explanation. (See Echoes, 282–286.)