Page 67 - SYTYGIB_Aztec

jAgUaR
Jaguars are the largest of South America´s big cats. Most have beautiful rosette shaped markings, although black jaguars can also be found. The name jaguar means ´he who kills with one leap´. Thankfully, most of the cats you come across are more likely to be known as ´he who drinks a bowl of milk with one slurp´.
lAkE TeXcOcO
The great Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán was built on islands in Lake Texcoco, which were connected to the land by causeways. The lake was later drained via channels and a tunnel, and the modern Mexican capital of Mexico City is located there now. Hopefully for the Mexicans the lake doesn´t come back or things could get a bit damp.
MoCtEzUmA iI
Moctezuma II was the ninth and probably most famous Aztec emperor. In 1502 he succeeded his uncle Ahuitzotl as leader. Moctezuma commanded an enormous army that conquered a large area, and he lived a life of luxury. There aren´t that many jobs for emperors going around these days, so best not add it to your ´Things I Want to Be When I Grow Up´ list.
oBsIdIaN
Obsidian is born in a volcano – which sounds very cool (or rather VERY HOT). It is produced when a certain type of lava cools rapidly, forming a sort of volcanic glass. It was used to make knives, arrowheads and even mirrors. That meant it was excellent for priests to use to check their hair was SUPER matted and unkempt before performing a sacrifice.
PeNaNcE
A penance is a punishment a person inflicts on themselves to make up for wrongdoing, particularly when it is to do with religion. If you ground yourself for hiding your little brother´s favourite video game and refusing to tell him where it is, that is a penance. Sort of.
Pinauiztli beetle
This was a reddish-orange insect, which looks a bit like a cockroach. It wasn´t poisonous, but for the Aztecs its appearance in a home was believed to be an omen of bad luck or death (which is about as bad as luck gets). It´s probably worth installing anti-beetle barriers outside your bedroom to make sure they can´t get in. Just in case.
QuEtZaL
These birds are about as beautiful as you´ll ever see. They are vibrantly coloured in shades of brilliant blue, green and red, and the male quetzals grow fabulous twin tail feathers that grow up to one metre long. If you want to show off to your classmates, simply squeeze out a couple of three-feet long tail feathers and you´ll be the talk of the school!
SkUnK
Skunks are best known for one thing. Their stinky smell. Poor skunks. They might be amazing at dancing or playing the piano, but their pong is the thing that everyone remembers. They usually only release their eye-watering spray when cornered or threatened, so ALWAYS be nice to skunks.
WaTeR FlY
The flies whose eggs the Aztecs harvested to make ´algae cakes´ were a type of water insect known nowadays as the ´water-boatman´. They paddle through lakes and ponds, using large legs that look a bit like oars, and they were very important to the Aztecs. Imagine having legs like oars – you´d win ALL your school swimming competitions!
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