玛雅历法完结只剩下5个月, 来自世界各地的顶级考古学家们于周末齐聚危地马拉城市安提瓜讨论古老的周期结束及世界灭亡的末日理论。
With only five months until the Mayan calendar runs out, top archaeologists from around the world converged in the Guatemalan city of Antigua over the weekend to discuss the end of the ancient cycle and dismiss doomsday theories of the world’s demise.
Presenting their latest findings on the Maya at a two-day conference, experts said the end of the 5,126-year Mayan cycle will usher in a new era for the ancient civilization, the beginning of the 14th Baktun.
Rosendo Morales, an archaeologist says, "We reject 100 percent that this is the end of the world - it’s the end of a cycle and beginning of the 14th Baktun (Mayan cycle). We are nervous as Guatemalans because we will see December 21, the end of an era for many Mayans who have spent many years here and now after 3,114 years."
Debunking talk of an apocalypse, experts say 2012 represents a new cycle of the Mayan calendar. Some even says the once-in-a-lifetime event should be celebrated.
Richard Hensen, an archaeologist says, "What we will see here is a new era. We are privileged to experiment and enjoy the end of an era that started 3,114 years before Christ. It’s rare that we have this opportunity to experience this very important date."
The Maya were among the great ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica, building cities with elaborate ceremonial centres and soaring stone pyramids from modern day Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.
The Classic Period in Maya civilization, which began around A.D. 300, pre-dated by hundreds of years the rise of the Aztecs in Mexico and the Incas in Peru. The civilisation collapsed around 900 A.D.