The Nephites were a group of people described in the Book of Mormon, a religious text of the Latter-day Saint movement. They are believed to have descended from Lehi, a prophet who left Jerusalem around 600 B.C. The Nephites are often depicted as a righteous people who followed the teachings of Christ and maintained records of their history on metal plates. Throughout their history, the Nephites faced conflicts with the Lamanites, another group descended from Lehi's family. The Nephites are known for their advanced civilization, which included cities, agriculture, and written language. Their story culminates in a series of battles that led to their eventual downfall.