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In Clavijero’s dedication of the Storia to the Pontifical University (1780, 2:iii–iv, vii), the historian explicitly declares that, as a Mexican, he has the authority to speak about his nation’s history; having studied this history firsthand, he declares that he can weigh the merits of the works written on the subject and correct their mistakes. Likewise, Clavijero characterizes his work as a gallant effort that he undertook for the benefit of his homeland regardless of the calamities that had befallen him. Finally, he states that his work evidences the sincere love and veneration he feels for his native land. Clavijero reiterates this in his introduction to the book, explicitly stating he seeks to use the Storia to restore the splendor of his land, which a mob of contemporary historians of the Americas had besmirched (2:1). Clavijero casts himself in the role of defender of the truth of his land; this understanding of himself is key to understanding his decisions in the making of his history, such as his selection of sources and the establishment of a narrative arc. As such, it is important for us to pay special attention to one of Clavijero’s claims, which can easily be overlooked, but which shed light on his process.