In worn and tattered high school textbooks, history remembers the Aztec people as an indigenous race who tore out the hearts of enemies after battle and created gods out of any thing to bring him good luck and fortune. While some details may indeed be true, most of their stories remain untold or briefly mentioned. In reality, the Aztec people were a unique civilization that thrived in all aspects of culture, proving to be a creative and progressive people. From their humble beginnings as nomads and hunters, the Aztecs began to develop agricultural techniques for growing food and livestock and then progressed to establishing social structures and belief systems. The Aztecs also advanced astronomy, mathematics, and natural sciences to improve their lifestyle. Despite the fact that the Aztecs were a refined civilization with such a vibrant culture, many textbooks recognize them as an indigenous people when the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés first entered the scene. The first appearance of Cortés amazed and psychologically and externally shocked the life of the Aztec people. Such culture shock left the Aztecs unsure how to deal with the arrival of the extravagant Spaniards, who caused the slow conquest of the Aztec people. After being defeated by the Spanish, the Aztec culture and language underwent dramatic changes affecting Spanish culture as well. For many Chicanos today, many question their origin and true ancestry from their past and wonder whose blood runs in their veins. Whether descended from the Spanish, the Aztecs or a mix of many other tribes, modern Chicanos have been profoundly influenced by the choices of the past. The Aztecs began their history starting as nomads in... middle of paper ......might recognize. Even though we know that the Aztecs formed their new homeland in Mexico, I wonder where they began their journey. Some researchers believe that they come from somewhere in North America, which means that their origins would be somewhere in the United States. For many Mexicans, this discovery could mean they could enter the United States as a way to return to their homeland and reclaim a sense of their past. The myth of Aztlan has made its appearance in Chicano culture in almost every aspect. To have a sense of belonging, Chicanos often put up flags, bumper stickers, or even get tattoos to commemorate their heritage and take pride in it. This form of belonging and patriotism is critical to keeping Chicano culture intact, to having a sense of pride so that future generations of Mexican Americans are not ashamed of who they are.