The FBI has made a significant move in preserving history by returning a 500-year-old manuscript page signed by Hernán Cortés back to Mexico. This document, written in 1527, was one of 15 stolen pages from Mexico's national archives, taken between 1985 and 1993. The page details payments for expedition supplies and was found in the US, leading to its repatriation on Wednesday.
Cortés played a crucial role in the downfall of the Aztec empire and laid the groundwork for Spanish colonization in the Americas. The manuscript outlines his plans during his governorship of New Spain, a vast colony stretching across regions that now comprise parts of western and central North America.
This specific document had been cataloged, but it was discovered missing during a microfilming process in 1993. Researchers uncovered a wax number indication that it had been taken during two specific cataloging times. In 2024, Mexico sought the FBI's help to recover the stolen pages, providing details to identify the missing manuscripts.
Although the FBI found this important artifact in the US, they did not disclose its whereabouts or previous ownership. Interestingly, no one will be prosecuted for the theft, as the document had changed ownership multiple times since then. Special Agent Jessica Dittmer noted that the document represents essential cultural property and moments in Mexican history.
While tensions exist between Mexico and the US over tariffs and migration, the FBI emphasizes its role in combating the illicit trade of cultural artifacts. According to Dittmer, the agency is committed to recovering other missing pages, as another Cortés document was returned just last year.
Cortés played a crucial role in the downfall of the Aztec empire and laid the groundwork for Spanish colonization in the Americas. The manuscript outlines his plans during his governorship of New Spain, a vast colony stretching across regions that now comprise parts of western and central North America.
This specific document had been cataloged, but it was discovered missing during a microfilming process in 1993. Researchers uncovered a wax number indication that it had been taken during two specific cataloging times. In 2024, Mexico sought the FBI's help to recover the stolen pages, providing details to identify the missing manuscripts.
Although the FBI found this important artifact in the US, they did not disclose its whereabouts or previous ownership. Interestingly, no one will be prosecuted for the theft, as the document had changed ownership multiple times since then. Special Agent Jessica Dittmer noted that the document represents essential cultural property and moments in Mexican history.
While tensions exist between Mexico and the US over tariffs and migration, the FBI emphasizes its role in combating the illicit trade of cultural artifacts. According to Dittmer, the agency is committed to recovering other missing pages, as another Cortés document was returned just last year.
