This programme delves into the fascinating world of the ancient Maya. More than two thousand years ago, the astronomers and timekeepers of this ancient civilisation predicted that the world would come to an end on December 21, 2012. We explain how and why they arrived at this stunning conclusion.

We begin our journey in the ancient city of Chichen Itza. The city is located in present day Mexico, in the northern centre of the Yucatán Peninsula. Between roughly 800 and 1200 AD, the city, whose name means ‘in the mouth at the Itzáe's Well’, enjoyed a period of grandeur; Chichen Itza was the undisputed hub of political, religious and military power in Yucatán, if not all of South-eastern Meso America.

The Maya were legendary astronomers and timekeepers. While Europe languished in the Dark Ages, the Maya mapped the heavens, assigning great meaning to astrological phenomena, and making extraordinary predictions based on the stars and planets. They were also masters of writing and mathematics; they invented the calendar that we use today.

We join a team of archaeologists, astrologers and historians as they speculate on the meaning of the 2012 Doomsday prophecy. Is it possible that these masters of architecture, technology and hieroglyphics possessed a genuine insight into the future fate of the planet? Or have their prophetic writings been misinterpreted?

Breathtaking footage of the spectacular monuments of Chichen Itza, impressive dramatic re-enactments and advanced CGI animation combine to vividly evoke the ancient Mayan way of life, and communicate the urgency of their prophecy.