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Dec. 21, 2012
Debunking Doomsday and Exploring Maya Science
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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.
In the video above, National Geographic highlights the discovery by William Saturno and his team of a Maya mural and calendar.
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Produced by Christopher Intagliata, Associate Senior Producer
Produced by Jon Chang, Science Friday Intern
Guests
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William Saturno
National Geographic Explorer
Assistant Professor, Archaeology
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts -
Marcello Canuto
Director, Middle American Research Institute
Associate Professor, Anthropology
Tulane University
New Orleans, Louisiana
FEATURED READING
Brilliant Blunders
by Mario Livio
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