The Book of Mormon and archaeology

Record summary

The Book of Mormon presents a sacred history involving migrations, peoples, wars, and cities in an ancient American setting. Latter-day Saint readers and some affiliated researchers have proposed different geographic models and sought correlations with archaeological remains, while mainstream archaeology has not accepted the text as a reliable account of pre-Columbian American history. The lead is important for comparing scripture, oral and textual transmission, apologetic research, and material evidence. Researchers should distinguish theological interpretation from testable archaeological claims and note the diversity of Latter-day Saint positions.