Teancum

According to the Book of Mormon, Teancum (/tiːˈæn.kʌm/) was a Nephite military leader. Found in the Book of Alma between Alma 50:35 and Alma 62:40 (inclusive), his period of time shown is 67-60 BC. His major accomplishments include the assassinations of King Amalickiah in 67 BC, and the subsequent assassination of Amalickiah's brother, Ammoron, seven years later. During his time he proved to be a great chief captain in the Nephite army.

History

Battle with Morianton

In the years between 71 and 68 BC there was much peace in the land of the Nephites. The exception was a dispute that began to grow in the land of Lehi and the land of Morianton, which were neighboring lands. The inhabitants of the land of Morianton claimed ownership of a part of the land of Lehi. The dispute grew and eventually led to the inhabitants of Morianton attacking the inhabitants of Lehi, led by a man called Morianton. The people of Lehi fled from the attack to the camp of Captain Moroni.

Morianton's forces were afraid that Captain Moroni and his army would attack, so they changed their course and attempted to take the land in the North. Captain Moroni caught hold of the plan when one of Morianton's maid servants, whom he had physically abused, escaped from him and allied herself with Captain Moroni. As a preventative measure, Captain Moroni dispatched a contingent of soldiers led by Teancum in order to stop Morianton and his people from fleeing to the North. In the battle which ensued, Teancum killed Morianton and defeated his army, afterward taking prisoners. He then made an oath with the prisoners, allowing them to go back to their homes if they would "keep the peace. "