According to Nahua myths and history, the Mexica (often called the Aztecs) began their long migration from a place called Aztlan, an island in the middle of a lake. But where exactly was Aztlan? And what drove them to leave their homeland?

In this video, we explore the origin story of the Mexica, focusing on how it appears in the Codex Boturini (Tira de la Peregrinación), a 16th-century manuscript that visually narrates this journey. From their departure at the behest of their patron god Huitzilopochtli to their search for the sign of an eagle perched on a cactus, learn how the journey from Aztlan shaped the founding of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire. We also discuss how the term Aztec derives from “Aztlan.”

This video is perfect for anyone interested in:

• The Aztecs

• Mesoamerica

• Mythology and History

• Mesoamerican symbols

• Early Colonial Manuscripts/Codices

Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank

CHAPTERS

0:00 An Introduction to Aztlan

0:31 Aztlan, the Aztec Homeland

1:11 The Departure from Aztlan

2:00 The Establishment of Tenochtitlan on Lake Texcoco

2:23 The Name “Aztec” and Aztlan

Learn more

1. Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history

2. Grab our Introduction to the Aztecs text! https://www.artsq.org/store/p/aztecs-mesoamerica-informational-text-reading