The ancient Maya had many scientific accomplishments: they tracked the Moon and the planets, knew a solar year was 365 days, and even invented the concept of zero. As for the 2012 apocalypse? It’s simply a misinterpretation of the Maya calendar, say archaeologists Marcello Canuto and William Saturno.
Segment Guests
William Saturno
William Saturno is a National Geographic explorer and assistant professor of archaeology at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts.
Marcello Canuto
Marcello Canuto is a director of the Middle American Research Institute and an associate professor of anthropology at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Meet the Producers and Host
About Christopher Intagliata
@cintagliataChristopher Intagliata was Science Friday’s senior producer. He once served as a prop in an optical illusion and speaks passable Ira Flatowese.
About Jon Chang
Jon Chang is a science reporter based in New York City. He also has an unhealthy obsession with math, even if he’s not very good at it.