The Maya created the most sophisticated calendar systems in the ancient world, and according to many scholars their Long Count Calendar will come to an end on December 21, 2012. What does this mean for mankind? Some researchers believe it will usher in the return of Bolon Yokte--a mysterious god associated with creation and war. Could this god actually be an extraterrestrial as some ancient astronaut theorists believe? Other scholars believe the end of the calendar will bring about a series of catastrophic events that may threaten the very existence of mankind. They point to a rare galactic alignment that will coincide with the end of the Mayan calendar as proof of an impending geological catastrophe. If these doomsday prophecies prove to be true, will it mean the end of the world as we know it? Or could it reveal some profound truth about the origins of the human race?
Coba
Mexico · Maya
Ancient Astronaut theorists point to Maya astronomical knowledge and the sophistication of their calendar systems as evidence of alien instruction. The show claims the Maya's ability to predict celestial events like Earth axis shifts every 26,000 years suggests otherworldly guidance.
Nazca Plateau
Peru · Nazca
Ancient Aliens proposes that the geometric patterns and lines at Nazca may have served as landing strips or signals for alien spacecraft. The show emphasizes the impossible scale and precision of the designs when viewed from above.
Palenque
Mexico · Maya
King Pacal's sarcophagus lid depicts him piloting an alien spacecraft
Tikal
Guatemala · Maya
Temple IV is the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas — built with alien engineering assistance
Zoroastrian Fire Temple at Naqsh-e Rostam
Iran · Zoroastrian/Achaemenid
Ancient Aliens suggests Zoroastrian prophecies and the fire temple symbolism may indicate contact with alien intelligences, with the eternal flame possibly representing alien technology or knowledge.