Aztláns

Aztlán is a mythical homeland from which the Mexica people, also known as the Aztecs, are said to have originated. The name Aztlán is derived from Nahuatl and has been translated as "place of the herons" or "place of whiteness." Ancient accounts and codices describe Aztlán as an island located in the middle of a lake, often identified with Lake Texcoco, although its precise geographical location has never been definitively established. The Mexica migration from Aztlán is a central narrative in their history and religion, marking their journey to the Valley of Mexico where they eventually founded their capital city, Tenochtitlan.

The concept of Aztlán has evolved over time and holds different meanings for various groups. For many Chicano activists and scholars, Aztlán represents a spiritual and cultural homeland, a symbol of indigenous identity and ancestral roots in North America. This interpretation often places Aztlán in the southwestern United States, considering it the original territory of indigenous peoples before European colonization. While there is no archaeological evidence to support a literal homeland in the American Southwest, the idea of Aztlán serves as a powerful emblem of cultural pride and a connection to pre-Hispanic heritage. Scholarly debate continues regarding the historical accuracy and symbolic interpretation of Aztlán.