Laman was a Lamanite king who reigned during a tumultuous period marked by his interactions with Nephite settlers led by Zeniff. Around 200 B.C., Zeniff, who was zealous to reclaim the land of his ancestors, negotiated with Laman to establish a Nephite colony in the land of Lehi-Nephi and Shilom. Laman agreed to this covenant, but his intentions were far from honorable. He saw in Zeniff’s overeagerness an opportunity to subjugate the Nephites and exploit them. Indeed, his true aim was to enslave the Nephite settlers, so as to “glut themselves with the labors of [their] hands” (Mosiah 9:10).
After a period of peaceful coexistence lasting twelve years, King Laman grew concerned that Zeniff’s people had become too powerful and independent, which threatened the Lamanites’ dominion over them. Consequently, he incited his people to war against the Nephites. Despite Laman’s efforts, Zeniff’s people, who fought with the strength of their faith in the Lord, managed to repel the Lamanite attackers (Mosiah 9:11-13).
Subsequent to these events, King Laman passed away around 178 B.C., and his son—also named Laman—ascended to the throne (Mosiah 10:6). In a continuation of his father’s policies, the new king Laman maintained the hostilities and oppression against Zeniff’s people, perpetuating the cycle of enmity between the Lamanites and Nephites that would last for generations (Mosiah 24:3).