The South Wilderness in the Book of Mormon is a region mentioned in various contexts, primarily related to military movements and territorial divisions. This wilderness was a frontier zone south of the core Nephite lands and served as both a natural habitat rich in wildlife and a theater for military engagements:
Lamanite Crossing and Release of Captives: During a time of conflict, the prophet Alma predicted that the Lamanite forces would cross the river Sidon into the South Wilderness, beyond the land of Manti. This area became the site where Nephite forces, led by Captain Zoram, successfully met and defeated the Lamanite army, leading to the release of Nephite captives (Alma 16:6-7).
Rich Natural Habitat: The South Wilderness was part of an expansive wild area, described as being filled with all manner of wild animals, suggesting its abundance in natural resources. This landscape, south of the land called Bountiful and extending northward, was frequented by animals coming from the north for food, illustrating its ecological diversity and vitality (Alma 22:31).
Proximity to Other Lands: It bordered the lands of Jershon and Antionum to the north and was known to be full of Lamanites, indicating that the South Wilderness also served as a buffer separating the Nephite and Lamanite territories (Alma 31:3).
Nephite Military Campaigns: Captain Moroni led his armies into the East and South Wildernesses to drive the Lamanites further south, away from the Nephite heartland, which contributed to Nephite efforts to bolster their frontier defenses (Alma 50:7).
Strategic Military Encampment: In another instance of its military significance, Moroni and his fellow commanders strategically encamped their forces in the borders by the wilderness on the south and east. This positioning played a key role in Moroni's tactics, as this encirclement of the Lamanites in the land of Moroni was pivotal during the late stages of the Nephite-Lamanite conflicts (Alma 62:34).
The South Wilderness was a multifaceted region that played a key role in Nephite and Lamanite interactions, from serving as a bountiful natural habitat to becoming a decisive factor in military campaigns and territorial disputes. Its wilderness characteristics, along with its strategic location, made it a noteworthy element in the geopolitical and military narratives of the Book of Mormon.