The city of Cumeni holds strategic military significance in the narrative of the Nephite-Lamanite wars, as chronicled in the Book of Mormon. It was one of several Nephite cities, including Manti, Zeezrom, and Antiparah, captured by the Lamanites under the leadership of King Ammoron—a Zoramite by birth—during a decisive period of conflict (Alma 56:13–14). Cumeni, situated generally to the south of Judea and at a greater elevation than Zarahemla, was notable for its role in several key military actions around 63 B.C. (Alma 56:22, 56:25).
Following its capture by the Lamanites, the city became a central focus of Nephite military efforts led by the commander Helaman, who is distinguished in the text for his leadership of the 2,060 young, valiant “stripling warriors” whose faith and courage are highlighted in the Book of Mormon narrative. Helaman’s forces successfully recaptured Cumeni by strategically surrounding the city, cutting off Lamanite supply lines, and forcing a Lamanite surrender (Alma 57:7–8). The retention of the city by the Nephites was further bolstered by the timely return of a group of soldiers who had been sent to escort Lamanite prisoners to Zarahemla, contributing to a consequential victory over a subsequent Lamanite counterattack aimed at retaking the city (Alma 57:17–23).
As with other cities in the Nephite territory, Cumeni reflects the pattern of regional, administrative, and possibly commercial significance typical of several urban settlements within the broader geopolitical landscape of Nephite civilization. Distinctions are made in the text between different types of Nephite cities, with Cumeni exemplifying a military garrison city established in the face of conflict and acting as a bulwark against further Lamanite encroachments towards the heartland of Nephite lands.