The question came to me earlier as I was rereading the Book of Mormon. Since archaeological research has proven that the Nephites and Lamanites did not exist I was curious as to what people existed in America at the time?
Who were they? What was their culture? What was rheir religion. Where did they exist and are they the same peoples who exist today?
Additional Info: The Book of Mormon takes place from 597BC to 400AD. The narrative is, based on the testimony of its author, primarily set in North America - with him pointing out locations in Palmyra, New York, Missouri and other locations nearby - although the book does describe the people spreading out to the entire tontinent.
I am not a believer in the literal history of the Book of Mormon but am curious as to what groups lived during this time there.
Can you be more specefic about the region? They're dozens upon dozens of Native American tribes that have existed for millenia, narrowing it down a bit would be helpful.