Who were the Nephites and Lamanites in the Book of Mormon?

In the Book of Mormon, the Nephites and Lamanites are described as two groups originating from a colony of Hebrews who migrated from Jerusalem to the Americas around 600 BCE under the leadership of the prophet Lehi.12

• Nephites: Named after Lehi’s son Nephi, this group is depicted as having developed culturally and built great cities. According to the text, they were visited and taught by Jesus following his resurrection.312
• Lamanites: This group is described as having turned away from their original beliefs and becoming heathens. In the narrative, they are identified as the ancestors of the American Indians.12

The history of these peoples is characterized by conflict, culminating in the destruction of the Nephites by the Lamanites around 400 CE. The records of these civilizations were reportedly abridged by the prophet Mormon and his son Moroni before being revealed to Joseph Smith.12