when the sign was given. Many are converted, but the Gadianton robbers still thrive. Between AD 3 and 15, throughout the land Some forget (or dismiss) the signs that were given. Wickedness increases among the Nephites and the Lamanites. Those who remain true are all called Nephites. The Gadianton robbers increase in strength and threaten to destroy the Nephites. Wars and contentions exist throughout the land. Between AD 15 and 21, Zarahemla AD 15: Giddianhi, leader of the Gadianton robbers, sends an epistle to Lachoneus, the chief judge, demanding the surrender of the Nephites. AD 17: The Nephites gather in the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful. They bring sufficient supplies to withstand seven years of siege. AD 18: The Gadianton robbers take possession of the abandoned Nephite lands, but cannot subsist without plundering the Nephites. They attack the Nephites and are driven back. Giddianhi is slain. AD 21: Zemnarihah, the new leader of the robbers, lays siege to the Nephite fortifications, but the siege is more damaging to the robbers than to the Nephites. Zemnarihah determines to withdraw. Gidgiddoni, leader of the Nephite armies, knowing their weakness, attacks the robbers and defeats them. Zemnarihah is hanged. Between AD 21 and 33, throughout the land The Nephites hunt out the remnants of the robber band. The robbers are destroyed. AD 26: The Nephites return to their former lands, and the Nephites prosper for a time. AD 29: Contentions over power and wealth arise. The people become wicked. Secret combinations arise once more, seeking to murder the prophets and to overthrow the government. AD 30: Lachoneus, son of Lachoneus, becomes chief judge. Lachoneus II is murdered and the government is overthrown. The people divide into tribes, "every man according to his kindred and friends" (). The secret combinations gather to a tribe led by a man named Jacob, and flee into the land northward. AD 31-33: Nephi ministers to the people and performs miracles, but few are converted. The coming of Christ At the commencement of AD 34, throughout the land AD 34, the fourth day of the first month: Great and terrible destruction occurs -- "The face of the whole earth became deformed" (). Many cities are destroyed with their inhabitants. The destruction lasts "for about the space of three hours" (). Unremitting darkness covers the land for three days. "There was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer, neither