**Aztec Document Goes on Display in Mexico After 186 Years Abroad**
A significant piece of Aztec history, the Codex Azcatitlán, is set to be displayed in Mexico for the first time in 186 years. This centuries-old manuscript, which narrates the story of the Aztec civilization and its encounter with Spanish conquistadors, will be showcased at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City starting Thursday.
The Codex Azcatitlán, created in the 16th century shortly after the Spanish conquest, is renowned for its intricate pictograms that depict crucial events in Aztec history, including the defense of Tenochtitlán against the forces led by Hernán Cortés. The codex has been housed in France's Bibliothèque Nationale since 1898, but its journey began long before that, as it spent decades outside of Mexico.
This exhibition is part of a cultural exchange between Mexico and France, commemorating 200 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. In a reciprocal arrangement, Mexico will lend the Codex Boturini to France. The Codex Boturini illustrates the migration of the Aztecs, also known as Mexica, from their ancestral homeland to the area surrounding Lake Texcoco, where they established Tenochtitlán.
The agreement for this exchange was reached during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Mexico last year, where discussions about the return of historical artefacts were prominent. Mexico has been actively pursuing the repatriation of cultural items taken during colonial times, with over 2,000 objects successfully returned to the country last year, according to the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Relations.
The display of the Codex Azcatitlán is expected to draw significant interest, as it provides invaluable insights into the Aztec civilization and its historical context. The exhibition not only highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage but also reflects ongoing efforts to rectify historical injustices related to the appropriation of indigenous artefacts.
As the Codex Azcatitlán returns to its homeland, it serves as a reminder of the rich history of the Aztec civilization and the enduring legacy of their culture in contemporary Mexico.