KnoWhy #530 - Is there evidence for great destruction in the land northward at the death of Christ? (3 Nephi 9:9)

The Nephite record describes a series of destructive events which occurred in the New World Land of Promise at the time of Jesus' death in the Old (3 Nephi 8-10). As discussed in an earlier KnoWhy, that account correlates remarkably well with known phenomena associated with one of more volcanic eruptions in Mesoamerica. Archaeologists have now documented a major eruption in Central Mexico which they believe may have killed tens of thousands and forced many more to relocate to major centers such as Teotihuacan and Cholula spurring the subsequent growth and development of those cultures. This event has been dated to the First Century AD. and appears to have taken place in late March or April, the most likely time of Jesus' crucifixion at Jerusalem.