The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Mexico recently highlighted the immense historical value of centuries-old manuscripts originating from present-day Mexico, which offer deep insights into the Aztec civilization. These documents, penned in the Aztecs’ native tongue, shed light on the inception of their capital, their expansive conquests, and their eventual downfall at the hands of the Spanish.
In a significant acquisition, the Mexican government secured three illustrated manuscripts, known as the Codices of San Andrés Tetepilco, from a lineage that had safeguarded these Aztec treasures for generations. This purchase, as reported by the Spanish newspaper El País, marks a monumental moment in the preservation of Aztec history.
The Aztecs, who dominated a vast swath of Mexico during the 15th and 16th centuries, established their capital in Tenochtitlán, now Mexico City. Between 1519 and 1521, Spanish forces overran the Aztec empire, laying the groundwork for centuries of Spanish dominion. Despite this, the production of codices, in both the indigenous Nahuatl language and Spanish, persisted into the early 17th century.
Among the newly acquired codices is one that chronicles the establishment of Tenochtitlán around 1300, detailing its rulers in the era before Spanish contact. It also recounts the Aztec annexation of the city of Tetepilco circa 1440 and the subsequent allegiance of Tetepilco’s leader to the Aztec empire. Furthermore, it documents the Spanish arrival in 1519 and their rule until 1611. Spain maintained control over Mexico until 1821.
The codices, previously held by a family in Mexico City who wished to remain anonymous, were authenticated by scientists from the Metropolitan Autonomous University in Mexico City. Their analysis revealed that two of the documents were inscribed on amate, or bark paper, using inks derived from plants, charcoal, and indigo to produce vibrant red, yellow ochre, black, and blue hues. Following authentication, the government negotiated the purchase of these invaluable documents for 9.5 million pesos (approximately $570,000).
These manuscripts not only include detailed illustrations but also text in an Aztec language, offering a rare glimpse into the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the Aztec civilization. Two of the codices detail the founding of Tetepilco and the assets of a church in Tetepilco, respectively.
Now part of the National Library of Anthropology and History’s Collection of Mexican Codices (BNAH), these codices will undergo further study by researchers eager to unravel more about Mexico’s storied past. This acquisition underscores the enduring significance of preserving historical documents, as they continue to illuminate the complexities of human history and culture.