In an attempt to become king of the Nephites, he leads a revolt. When Amalickiah's plot fails (due in large part to Captain Moroni and his Title of Liberty) he and his followers flee to the Lamanites where, through a clever strategem, he positions himself to become king. Amalickiah has his servants slay the Lamanite king and blame it on the Lamanite King's own servants, one of whom is Laman (4). Having gained the whole Lamanite Kingdom, he leads them to a terrible war with the Nephites. He is ultimately slain by Teancum.  

Alma 46 - 51