The Mexica emerged from Chicomoztoc, the Seven Caves, at or near Aztlan before beginning their southward migration at Huitzilopochtli's command.
When Moctezuma's sorcerers journeyed to find Aztlan, they encountered Coatlicue still dwelling there, ancient and grieving for her son Huitzilopochtli, surrounded by people who had never aged since the Mexica departed.
Huitzilopochtli spoke to the Mexica at Aztlan, commanding them to leave their homeland and guiding their long migration south to found Tenochtitlan.
Aztlan and Tenochtitlan are the two poles of the Mexica migration — the island homeland left behind and the island city founded generations later when the wanderers finally saw Huitzilopochtli's promised sign, an eagle devouring a serpent atop a nopal cactus.
We use cookies to understand how you use our site and improve your experience. Learn more