A Mayan culture expert says any predictions of an apocalypse are wrong.
According to some, the world will end on December 21, 2012, as attributed to the ancient Mayan calendar.
Archaeologist Dr. Edwin Barnhart said the Mayans did not say anything like that.
“There are so many myths that are attached to this date,” Barnhart said.
Barnhart has studied the Mayan culture for the last two decades; he is a professor from Texas. According to him, one era ends on Dec. 21 and another begins.
“We are confusing what the Maya said. We are looking at through Western eyes,” Barnhart said.
Barnhart has been traveling across the country trying to dispel people's fears. Last week, he was at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“I'd say everyone has a certain level of curiosity. I mean you're talking about the world ending,” said student Michael Lammarino.
Barnhart said predicting the end of the world has been going on for centuries.
“We all thought it was going to end in 2000. Then we've jumped on to the Maya. Now, we'll have to find some new thing to attach to the end of the world,” Barnhart said.
Barnhart said he plans to be by the Mayan ruins in Mexico on Dec. 21. He is hoping to raise enough money to stream a live broadcast on the Internet.