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KnoWhy #126 - What is the Nature and Use of Chariots in the Book of Mormon? (Alma 18:9)

TitleKnoWhy #126 - What is the Nature and Use of Chariots in the Book of Mormon? (Alma 18:9)
Publication TypeKnoWhy
Year of Publication2016
Corporate AuthorsBook of Mormon Central Staff
PublisherBook of Mormon Central
Place PublishedSpringville, UT
KeywordsAmmon (Son of King Mosiah); Ancient America; Chariots; Horses; King Lamoni; Lamanite; Mesoamerica
Abstract

The word “chariot” conjures up images of horse-drawn war vehicles. In the Book of Mormon, however, chariots are referenced little, and never in a battle context, making it hard to be certain about their nature. Though wheeled vehicles are still unattested throughout pre-Columbian America, archaeology currently shows that some Mesoamerican peoples did understand the concept. Alternatively, a litter, sometimes translated “chariot” in the KJV, was a non-wheeled vehicle in which a rider was carried by servants. Its use was prevalent in Mesoamerica, where it was reserved for the social elite. Exploring these possibilities reinforces the importance of reading scripture with an open mind.

URLhttps://knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/what-is-the-nature-and-use-of-chariots-in-the-book-of-mormon
Citation Key1950

Scripture Reference

Alma 18:9