The Azcatitlan Codex, a 16, 16th-century manuscript chronicling the history of the Aztec Empire, has returned to Mexico for the first time since 1840. The codex, which contains vibrant pictograms depicting the rise and fall of the Aztec civilization, went on display at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. The temporary loan from France's National Library marks the 200th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The codex, which traces the migration of the Mexica people from Aztlan to the founding of Tenochtitlan, is considered one of the most important visual records of Aztec history. It was taken to France in 1898 by the widow of Franco-Mexican collector Eugène Goupil and has remained there since. Mexico has long demanded its return, but France has not agreed to permanent repatriation. Instead, the codex will remain on loan until December, with Mexico offering to loan France the Codex Boturini in exchange.

Indigenous representatives, including Emilia Mendoza of the Hnahnu community, expressed joy at the display, calling the codex a 'battle won' and a 'first step toward restitution.' Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco described the exhibition as an effort to 'reunite a population with its collective memory.' The codex, which includes scenes of warriors in feathered headdresses and ritual acts in pyramid temples, is believed to have been created by an indigenous Otomi craftsman.

France's National Library, which has maintained possession of the codex for over a century, loaned it to Mexico to commemorate 200 years of diplomatic relations. Mexico, however, has been pushing for the return of colonial-era cultural artifacts, including the Codex Azcatitlan and the Codex Borbonicus. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum previously urged French President Emmanuel Macron to return both manuscripts during a state visit.

The National Library and National Assembly of France insist they are the rightful owners of the other codices, including the Codex Borbonicus, which is housed in the National Assembly's library. The issue of colonial-era relics has historically strained relations between Mexico and France, as seen in 1982 when a Mexican lawyer stole the Codex Tonalamatl from France's National Library and brought it back to Mexico.

The codex's return has sparked renewed discussions about cultural restitution and the repatriation of artifacts taken during the colonial period. While the temporary loan is a symbolic victory for Mexico, the demand for permanent return remains unresolved. The National Institute of Anthropology and History has reported that over 16,200 items have been repatriated from various countries since 2018, but the Azcatitlan Codex remains in France's possession. What remains unknown is whether France will agree to permanent repatriation or if the codex will remain on loan indefinitely.