A rare 16th-century Aztec manuscript is returning to Mexico and goes on display in Mexico City after nearly two centuries in France. The manuscript, described as documenting the rise and fall of the Aztec Empire, arrives home from France but remains on loan rather than being permanently transferred.
The return follows years of Mexico’s efforts to secure the manuscript’s permanent restitution. Both outlets note that Mexico has long pressed French authorities, while the French side keeps the work in the context of an ongoing arrangement. France 24 frames the event as a milestone in the dispute over permanent return, highlighting the nearly two-century period since the manuscript left Mexico. Deutsche Welle similarly emphasizes Mexico’s longstanding demand, but underscores that the current move is a temporary loan rather than a full resolution.
After its arrival, the manuscript is presented to the public in Mexico City, while the underlying question of long-term ownership remains unresolved.
