I’ve spent
most of this week catching up on this semester’s sleep. But, since it’s the
winter solace and the supposed Mayan Apocalypse, here are some other dates of
the end of the world:
1. 634 BC:
Many early Romans feared a prediction of Rome’s destruction would occur in the
city’s 120th year. The legend said that twelve eagles had revealed to Romulus
the life of Rome, with each eagle representing ten years.
2. 1000: As
Christianity completed its first millennium, many Christians believed the end
of the world was close, sparking riots throughout Europe. Recalling the 1999-2000 year change, I must
imagine that the move to four digits must have included some crazy partying
along with the crazies.
3. 1524: An
unusual planetary alignment in Pieces sparked end of the world predictions from
astrologers in Germany and England. People believed a large flood would destroy
the world. Clearly, they forgot the whole rainbow part of Noah’s story.
4. 1806: In
Leeds, a hen began hatching eggs with the phrase “Christ is coming” written on
them. People interpreted it as a sign of
impending doom, creating a local panic. It was later revealed that the hen’s
owner had etched on the eggs and inserted them into the hen.
5. 1843: The
Millerites, a sect born out of the Second Great Awakening, believed that the
Bible predicted the end of the world occurred in April of 1843. Many gave up
all their property and belongings in anticipation of the Apocalypse. When April
passed (dubbed the Great Disappointment), the date was moved to December, and
then early 1844. The Adventist movement that grew out of this continues to
predict end times from the Bible.
6. Y2K:
Similar to 1000, many Christians viewed the end of the millennium as a sign of
the Apocalypse. There was also the widespread belief that all the computers
would be unable to read the year 2000, revert of 1900, and crash. Fortunately,
computer programmers were wise enough to not destroy the world over two digits.
7. Obligatory R.E.M. reference:
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only." Matthew 24: 35-36
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