• The FBI has returned a stolen manuscript page signed by Hernán Cortés to Mexico.
• This 500-year-old document details logistical accounts from the Spanish conquest.
• The page went missing between 1985 and 1993, with the Mexican government seeking its recovery.

The FBI announced the return of a 500-year-old manuscript page signed by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés to Mexico, marking a significant step in cultural restitution. This page, dated February 20, 1527, contains important logistical details about Cortés's expeditions in what became known as New Spain, which encompassed large areas of North America and Latin America. Special Agent Jessica Dittmer noted that "pieces like this are considered protected cultural property and represent valuable moments in Mexico's history," which was emphasized during the document's repatriation announcement, according to Reuters.

The manuscript was initially housed in Mexico's national archives, where archivists identified the missing pages during cataloging efforts in 1993, leading to a request for assistance from the FBI in 2024. Investigators concluded that the page was likely stolen between 1985 and 1993, indicated by a wax numbering system used during that time. The FBI stated that "open-source research revealed the document was located in the US," although the specific location and previous owner were not disclosed, according to BBC and CBS News.

This return is part of wider efforts to combat artifact trafficking and honor cultural heritage, underscoring the significance of the document. Cortés is historically known for his conquest of the Aztec empire, with the text providing insights into his logistical planning and the economic framework of Spanish expeditions. Dittmer reiterated the document's relevance, stating it "really gives a lot of flavor as to the planning and preparation for uncharted territory back then," according to BBC and Reuters.

While no one will face prosecution for the theft due to the document having changed hands multiple times, both the FBI and the Mexican authorities remain committed to recovering other missing items from the collection. This manuscript marks the second return of a Cortés text to Mexico, following a previous return of a letter in 2023, showcasing the ongoing dialogue on cultural property between the nations, according to CBS News.