Amlicites separated from Nephites
According to the Book of Mormon, the Amlicites () were a break-off group of Nephites in the Book of Alma, in 87 B.C.Origins
After the murder of Gideon mentioned in the book of Alma and the execution of Nehor, the man who introduced priestcraft to the Nephites, there arose one after the order of Nehor whose name was Amlici.
According to Chapter two of the Book of Alma, he was very cunning and wise according to the wisdom of the world (verse one)  In verse two, he had gathered a great following of people.
His people endeavored to make him King over the Nephites (Alma 2:3). Now this was very alarming to the church and also to those who had not been persuaded by Amlici, because they knew according to the law that these things must be established by the voice of the people.  It was especially alarming to the church which had been established by Alma because they feared that Amlici would "deprive them of their rights and privileges..., for it was his intent to destroy the church of God" (Alma 2:4). 
When the people assembled to cast their voices on the matter, the whole debate became contentious between the two camps (Alma 2:5). Further, the matter was laid before the judges of the land in the various assemblies of the people (Alma 2:6).
The voice of the people came back against Amlici and he was not made king over the Nephites (Alma 2:7).  Not content, Amlici stirred up his followers against those who were not in his favor (Alma 2:8).
He was consecrated king over his followers and he commanded that they take up their weapons of war against the Nephites to subject them to him. After this time his followers were known as Amlicites. (Alma 2:9-11)