Archeology
Book of Mormon Archaelogical Evidence
CES Letter Core Question
Is there absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the Book of Mormon?
There is absolutely no archaeological evidence to directly support the Book of Mormon or the Nephites and Lamanites, who were supposed to have numbered in the millions.
CES Letter, Page 11
Multiple similarities have been found between Book of Mormon descriptions and archaeological evidences.
John L. Sorenson’s Mormon’s Codex is a dense presentation of several hundred artifacts and cultural evidences supporting a specific ancient setting for the Book of Mormon. His works are not conclusive, but critics who claim there is no supportive archaeological evidence need to deal with the abundant parallels he proposes.
In 1999 researchers reported ruins of stone buildings in Lake Atitlan in the south highlands of Guatemala. Scuba divers discovered a modest-sized pyramid and a number of stelae. The structures were some 56 feet (17 m) beneath the surface near the south shore. Using advanced technology to complete a high resolution map of the lakebed of Atitlan ruins of submerged settlements appear to exist at several places. This is precisely where a popular theory of Book of Mormon geography predicts they would be.
The last Nephite record keeper was killed around 400 A.D. and the Nephite culture was despised and destroyed by their conquerors. Many centuries passed during which tangible evidences of the Book of Mormon people were lost.
It is naïve to believe that a record will be found recording a name or other evidence described in the Book of Mormon conclusively proving the truthfulness of the narrative. The lack of evidence is not the evidence of lack—it is impossible to prove the Lehites did not exist.
Several Old World and Book of Mormon geographical descriptions are very similar.
Valley of Lemuel
Shazer
Nahom
Bountiful
Lehi's cave
It is often claimed by other Christians that the Bible is completely supported by archaeological evidence, while the Book of Mormon is supported by none. Neither claim is true.
Charting the "anachronisms" shows that what hasn't been discovered today could be in the future. These two charts support that as time progresses science continues to vindicate the Book of Mormon against more and more "anachronisms" claims:
Additional Resources:
Understanding Book of Mormon Geography: Controversy, Evidence, and Two Cumorahs by Jeff Lindsay
Archaeology and the Book of Mormon (PDF) by Michael Ash
Arabia and The Book of Mormon by Cooper Johnson
Arabia and the Book of Mormon (2001 FAIR Conference) by S. Kent Brown
Archaeological Evidence and the Book of Mormon by Michael Ash
FAIR Issues 20: Book of Mormon geography may be smaller than you think, Michael R. Ash
FAIR Issues 40: Two points about Book of Mormon geography, Michael R. Ash
Fair Issues 79: A consistent Book of Mormon map, Michael R. Ash
Fair Issues 78: What is the correct Book of Mormon geography?, Miachael R. Ash
Fair Issues 77: What is the correct geography for the Book of Mormon?, Michael R. Ash
Book of Mormon Geography (PDF) (2008 FAIR Conference) by Larry Poulsen
A Key for Evaluating Nephite Geographies – by John E. Clark
Basic Methodological Problems with the Anti-Mormon Approach to the Geography and Archaeology of the Book of Mormon – by William J. Hamblin
Articles of Faith 11: Neal Rappleye – “War of Words and Tumult of Opinions”: The Battle for Joseph Smith’s Words in Book of Mormon Geography, Neal Rappleye Heartland as Hinterland: The Mesoamerican Core and North American Periphery of Book of Mormon Geography, Mark Alan WrightAxes Mundi: Ritual Complexes in Mesoamerica and the Book of Mormon, Mark Alan Wright
“War of Words and Tumult of Opinions”: The Battle for Joseph Smith’s Words in Book of Mormon Geography,Neal Rappleye
Deciphering the Geography of the Book of Mormon – by Mark V. Withers
Interpreting Book of Mormon Geography – by Randall P. Spackman
Joseph Smith, Revelation, and Book of Mormon Geography – by Matthew Roper
Book of Mormon Geography in the Old World
Book of Mormon Geography in the New World
The Book of Mormon in a New World Setting by Brant Gardner
Journey of Faith: Book of Mormon Documentary
Journey of Faith: The New World video
Summary of Book of Mormon evidence and Geography by Steve Carr
Truth about Joseph Smith’s Beliefs on Geography of The Book of Mormon
LDS Temple dedicatory prayers and Book of Mormon geography
Ancient Mayan city Lamanai and The Book of Mormon
BOM Geography debate — 3 Unique Characteristics with Jerry Ainsworth
Book of Mormon 10 No Confirmed Locations by Michael Ash
Book of Mormon cities match Maya cities
Book of Mormon Geography, Old World
Geography of The Book of Mormon: the river Sidon
Heartland as Hinterland: Mesoamerican Core and North American Periphery of Book of Mormon Geography
In Search of Ancient Cumorah Segment 1
In Search of Ancient Cumorah segment 2
In Search of Ancient Cumorah segment 3
Indians of the Great Lakes region and The Book of Mormon
Joseph Smith and Book of Mormon Geography