The people of Antiparah were inhabitants of the city of Antiparah during the long wars between the Nephites and the Lamanites detailed in the book of Alma. In the context of the long and enduring conflict, their city became a focal point in a strategic offer proposed by Ammoron, the king of the Lamanites. Offering to exchange the city for prisoners of war held by the Nephites, Ammoron initiated correspondence with Helaman, the military leader of the Nephite forces.
Helaman, assessing the situation, declined Ammoron’s offer, believing his troops had sufficient strength to capture the city without conceding to such terms. The reply indicated a firm Nephite resolve and suggested a confidence in military capabilities that did not go unnoticed by the people of Antiparah. Fearful of the impending Nephite assault that Helaman’s response portended, the people of Antiparah chose to abandon their city, seeking shelter and the opportunity to fortify other cities under their control. This mass evacuation and foresight in military tactics allowed the Nephites to take control of Antiparah without the expected confrontation, marking a turn in the power dynamics of the ongoing Nephite and Lamanite wars (Alma 57:1-4). The actions of the people of Antiparah mirror the turbulent times and the tenuous grip on security and territory experienced by groups within the Book of Mormon narrative. Their decision to flee rather than engage in battle reflects the broader themes of war strategy, the high stakes of territorial control, and the human desire to seek safety in the face of overwhelming odds.