Online, in movies, on television, and in print, news has been spreading that a world-transforming apocalypse will happen in December 2012. In recent years, some have claimed that this cataclysmic event was foretold centuries ago in the calendar of the ancient Maya. Beliefs about the exact nature of this cataclysm vary. Some believe that a celestial alignment will bring a series of devastating natural disasters. Others argue that this event will bring enlightenment and a new age of peace. As this date draws closer, new predictions continue to emerge. But what did the Maya really believe?