“My Purpose is War” | The Aztec Journey from Aztlán

COMING FALL 2026: In episode 1 of season 2, “My Purpose Is War” | The Aztec Journey from Aztlán, we explore the many versions of the Aztec origin myth.

Before the founding of Tenochtitlan, the Mexica spent roughly two centuries on the road, by some accounts. The story begins on the island of Aztlán and the cave of Quinehuayan, and moves through a spiritual, cultural, and technological journey toward a lake, where a nopal cactus played host to an eagle.

We compare Tezozómoc, Chimalpahin, Durán, the Anales de Tlatelolco, and the codices to see where the tellings agree, where they split, and how much of the route can actually be placed on a map. Along the way, we follow the sorcerers Moctezuma sent to look for Aztlán itself.

Part 1 – Introduction

Part 2 – What is Aztlán

Part 3 – The Journey

Part 4 – Where is Aztlán

Part 5 – Conclusion

Aztlán as illustrated in the Codex Aubin. — Aztlán as illustrated in Folio 3r of the Codex Aubin.

Folio 1 of the Codex Boturini showing Aztlan. — Folio 1 of the Codex Boturini showing Aztlán and the mountain called Colhuacan where Huitzilopochtli calls out. In the center we see the glyph for One Flint of Aztec calendar.