The Mayans did not predict the end of the world. However, they did have a very interesting, complex, and accurate callender. They never seriously predicted the world would end in 2012, it is simply the date that marks the end of a 5000 year cycle on their callender. At this point in time the callender resets and begins a new age or something to that effect. They believed their moment of creation happened 5000 years ago, and thus they reset the calender around that time. It would be better translated as the beggining of a new age, not necessarily the end of the world. It is greatly misunderstood, as most of these "doomsday prophecy" stories are, but a quick look at some actual facts will tell a much different story tham what is being spread around. :roll:
*Although im pretty sure most of this info is still relevant, it has been a little while since i refreshed myself on this subject so correct me if i'm wrong!