Understanding the Mayan Calendar and 2012 Predictions

The video discusses the Mayan calendar and debunks myths about the world ending on December 21, 2012. It explains the Mayan Long Count Calendar, detailing its components like k'in, winal, tun, k'atun, and b'ak'tun. The video clarifies that the Mayans did not predict the end of the world, but rather a transition to a new b'ak'tun. It highlights the historical context of the Mayan creation beliefs and provides examples of date calculations using the Mayan calendar. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to subscribe and engage with SciShow.

What was the common misconception about the Mayan calendar and December 21, 2012?

• The world would end.

• The Mayans would return.

• Aliens would invade.

• A new civilization would begin.

What is the Mayan term for a day?

• Winal

• K'in

• Tun

• K'atun

How many days are in a Mayan b'ak'tun?

• 394.26 days

• 144,000 days

• 360 days

• 20 days

According to the Mayans, how many creations have there been?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

What date did scientists calculate as the start of the last creation?

• July 4, 1776

• December 21, 2012

• September 18, 1618

• August 11, 3114 BC

What does the Mayan calendar use to mark the passage of time?

• Stars

• Seasons

• Cycles of days

• Animal migrations

What happened the last time the Mayan calendar completed a b'ak'tun?

• A major earthquake

• The Mayans disappeared

• A new civilization began

• Nothing significant

What is the significance of December 21, 2012, in the Mayan calendar?

• Start of a new b'ak'tun

• Beginning of a new creation

• End of the world

• Return of the Mayans

What is the modern equivalent of the Mayan calendar's b'ak'tun completion?

• Y2K

• Leap year

• Solar eclipse

• Winter solstice

What did the Mayans likely intend for the completion of a b'ak'tun?

• A time of panic

• A celebration

• A warning

• A prophecy