Nat Geo on the Maya Calendar, Predictions—And Why the World Won't End December 21
Decoding the Maya Calendar
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Maya Calendar's Real
2012 PredictionDoomsday? No way. The ancient Maya said we’ll be around another 7,000 years or so.
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How Modern Maya Mark 12/21
Not a doomsday prepper in sight. Instead, today's Maya celebrate December 21 for its arrival of a new calendar—and a new age.
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New Maya Mural Refutes
2012 MythUnprecedented paintings and calculations have emerged from under the jungle—including evidence against the 2012 "doomsday myth."
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End of the World in 2012?
It's remotely possible the world will end in December 2012. But don't credit the ancient Maya calendar for predicting it, say experts on the Mesoamerican culture.
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From the Archive:
2012 Sparks Real FearsSure there's a lot of hype around the purported Maya doomsday, but some people have honest "end times" anxiety that has experts concerned.
Maya Quiz
How Much Do You Know About the Ancient Maya?For starters, were crossed eyes considered beautiful?
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Video: Newfound Paintings Debunk Maya Doomsday
More Maya 2012 Video
Who Were the Maya?
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What Really Happened
To the Maya?The latest thinking suggests the mighty Maya Empire collapsed due to climate change, conflict—and maybe a trip to the beach.
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Epic Saga of the Maya
Rise and FallGet the full story of the Maya Empire: The rise, the monumental splendor, and the collapse.
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Pictures: Stunning Night Shots Of Maya Monuments
See the ancient empire's grandest monuments in a new light.
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Video: The Maya Still Exist
Their empire is long gone, but the Maya are very much alive in the Yucatán. See today's Maya in everyday dress and ancient raiment—bringing the past stunningly to life.
Maya Travel Bests
Best of National Geographic 2012
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On TV
The Mayan Apocalypse 2012Airing Friday, December 21, at 10 PM ET/PT
In this National Geographic Channel special, historian Paul Murton explores how the 2012 phenomenon has swept across the Internet, with hundreds of websites featuring frightening predictions.
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Featured Maya Trip
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Travel With a Nat Geo Expert
Explore Maya sites with archaeologist William Saturno—behind-the-scenes access!