Archaeologists from the National Insтιтute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have announced the recovery of three ancient codices dating back to the late 16th to early 17th century. These codices are believed to be a continuation of the Boturini Codex and provide a vivid depiction of Mexico’s transition from pre-Hispanic indigenous cultures to the Spanish colonial era.

Illustrative image: Facsimile of the Aztec Codex Borbonicus, showing monthly rituals, on display at the National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico. Original held in Paris. Credit: Rosemania / CC BY 2.0

The first codex, тιтled “Map of the Founding of Tetepilco,” provides information about the foundation of San Andrés Tetepilco and includes lists of toponyms within the region. The second codex, the “Inventory of the Church of San Andrés Tetepilco,” offers a pictographic inventory of the church and its ᴀssets, albeit in a damaged state. Finally, the third codex, known as the “Tira of San Andrés Tetepilco,” narrates the history of Tenochтιтlan from its foundation to the early 17th century, featuring unique iconography and historical information.

Among the scenes depicted in these manuscripts is the arrival of Hernán Cortés, portrayed in the attire of a Roman centurion, symbolizing the clash of civilizations that defined this period of history.

The collection, which had been in private ownership, was acquired for the National Library of Anthropology and History (BNAH) after experts confirmed its authenticity. The acquisition required the collaboration of various enтιтies, including companies and philanthropists, who raised 9.5 million pesos for the purchase.

María Castañeda de la Paz, a researcher at the Anthropological Research Insтιтute of Mexico’s National Autonomous University (UNAM), expressed her astonishment at the rarity of such documents, emphasizing their significance in understanding the history of Tenochтιтlan.

The codices are crafted on amate paper with intricate details painted using natural pigments. These codices represent a fusion of indigenous traditions and European influences, featuring texts in both Nahuatl and Spanish, written in the Latin alphabet. According to historian Rafael Tena, this blending of cultures reflects the adaptability of indigenous scribes to incorporate European techniques while preserving their own artistic heritage.

The process of acquiring these codices was not without challenges. María Castañeda de la Paz recalled the difficulties faced in contacting the family who owned the documents.

Baltazar Brito Guadarrama, director of the National Library of Anthropology and History (BNAH), likened the discovery of these codices to uncovering masterpieces of art. These sentiments were echoed by INAH, which described the acquisition as a milestone comparable to previous archaeological breakthroughs in Mesoamerican studies.

The newly discovered codices will undergo meticulous research and conservation efforts before being made accessible to the public. These invaluable artifacts will be stored in the vaults of the National Library of Anthropology and History in Mexico City.