The 2012 calendar has given rise to a debate all around the world – is 2012 the end of civilization? It is true that there are facts, but sometimes fiction tends to take over facts resulting in debates, controversies and speculations. If the issue is regarding the end of the world, it is sure to generate curiosity and panic. Several philosophers and experts are claiming that December 21, 2012 is the final day of ultimate deliverance.

According to the Mayan calendar, 2012 will bring an end to humanity, civilization and all forms of life in the world. The same is mentioned in the Aztec Calendar 2012. For some people, it is the Prophecy of the Apocalypse as others call it Armageddon. In the past also, there were many such claims about the end of the world, but nothing of that sort happened. But, this time, there are several fascinating facts that are indicating doomsday in 2012.

The 2012 Prophecy finds its roots in the early tribes of the Mayan and Aztec culture. These tribes originated the values regarding the formation and existence of the world that we know of today. The calculations of the Mayan calendar and the Aztec readings were formed more than 5000 years ago which evidently show that the world ends on December 21, 2012.

The Mayans were very intelligent and used numerous mathematical systems and calculations to develop their calendars. They developed two inter-related calendars with certain numbers and numerological standards. One calendar is the shorter version and another is the longer version. The shorter version of the calendar consists of 260 days in a year, which includes thirteen periods of twenty days each as we have twelve months of 30-31days. It is still not clear why the Maya opted for 260 days. However, there are certain theories behind this selection. One popular theory is – the calendar includes 13 20-day periods as both number 13 and number 20 are said to possess magical powers. Again, doubling the days of the calendar, the number of days becomes 560 days. 560 days is the same as three eclipse half-years. And lastly, even though this is a contentious thought, 260 days is roughly the duration of human growth and development. Considering all these factors, these Maya intellectuals probably created the ritual calendar of 260 days. Every single-day of this ritual calendar represents a particular plant, animal and natural force.

Another co-related calendar was the solar calendar (or long count calendar) that the Maya developed. This calendar was 365 days long with 18 periods of 20 days and an additional five days. These last five days were “days without name” and considered unlucky.

The Maya civilization predicted that their calendar would end on December 21, 2012. Now, it is still to be seen whether or not the world as we know will be affected by these prophecies when the 2012 calendar completes it’s cycle.