Throne Usurpation is the taking of a kingdom from its king, as Amalickiah planned “to dethrone the king of the Lamanites” and “take possession of the kingdom” (Alma 47:4; Alma 47:8). Amalickiah sought favor with the Lamanite armies so that he might place himself at their head (Alma 47:8).
After the king was slain, Amalickiah entered the city of Nephi with his armies and “took possession of the city” (Alma 47:30). He brought the servant who slew the king and others before the queen, and they testified that the king had been slain by his own servants (Alma 47:31-33). Amalickiah took the queen to wife and, “by his fraud, and by the assistance of his cunning servants,” obtained the kingdom and was acknowledged king among the Lamanites (Alma 47:35).