Page 66 - SYTYGIB_Aztec

Glossary
Can you smell something? A burning smell. And there’s smoke . . . coming out of
your eArS! wHoA! Watch out! Your brain’s overheating! Quick – pour a glass of water over your head. It’s not surprising really, given the mOuNtAiN oF FaCtS we’ve stuffed into your poor little melon.
Well, most of it was fact. Some things we just made up for the giggles (there was no such thing as Lovely Kitten warriors, sadly). Once your brainbox has cooled down a little, here’s some bonus interesting stuff to cram in.
aViArY
An aviary is a large cage for keeping birds in. Unlike a small bird cage you might find in a house, it´s big enough to allow birds to fly around a bit. You can transform your bedroom into an aviary simply by opening your window and laying a trail of breadcrumbs to entice sparrows and seagulls inside. Easy-peasy!
CaCaO tReE
If you like a bit of choccy, this is the tree for you! Its seeds are used to make chocolate, cocoa powder and other goodies. The cacao tree´s botanical name is Theobroma Cacao, which means ´food of the gods´ in Greek. Hey gods! Give us some!
cAcTuS
The cactus is a plant that has adapted to survive in hot places with not much rain. They store water in their fleshy parts so that they can live in extremely dry environments. They often have sharp spines to stop birds and animals eating them. If you´re thirsty we recommend a glass of water rather than trying to beat a cactus´ prickly protection system.
CoDeX MeNdOzA
This is an Aztec book in a folded concertina form created between 1529 and 1553, after the Spanish took over. It contains a history of the Aztec rulers, a description of daily Aztec life and colourful pictures as well as descriptions in Spanish. It´s held in the Bodleian Library at Oxford University, though we´re guessing you can´t borrow it for bedtime reading.
HaLlUcInAtE
Hallucinations are where someone sees, hears, smells, tastes or feels things that don´t exist outside their mind. The kind of things Aztec medics gave their patients to make them ´better´ could lead to hallucinations in their patients. Don´t worry though – if your doc says you need a plaster, you won´t start seeing things!
HeAdDrEsSeS
Headdresses were a big deal for the Aztecs. They were a powerful symbol of status and could only be worn by important people. They were incredible creations, combining long, bright feathers of the Quetzal and Cotinga birds as well as shells, beads and precious stones. To make your own headdress try gluing pigeon feathers to a baseball cap.
hIgH pRiEsT
The high priests were at the top of the religious tree in Aztec society. They were powerful, highly respected people and were responsible for making sure that the gods were kept happy through offerings, ceremonies and sacrifices. Fancy a go? Why not try practising by sacrificing a doughnut (also known as eating it).
jAdE
Jade is the name for a type of rock that has been used for thousands of years to make tools, sculptures and jewellery. It´s most commonly a beautiful green colour (although it can be other colours) and was prized by the Aztecs. Other green things are not so prized. Things you find in your nostril, for instance. Please stop doing that.
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