The Mayans believe that life is a cycle, that elapes every 26,000 years. This is the date that (dec.21 2012) this one ends, and a knew one begins. Sumerians, Tibetans, Egyptians, Cherokees, Hopi, and Mayans refer to this same 26,000 year cycle. Also this cycle is split into 5 smaller cycles 5,125 years each,that all ended from natural causes.Again in this 5,125 year cycle is 13 smaller cycles called the 13 Baktun Count, lasting 394 years each. Our cycle starting at 1618 is called the the triumph of materialism. The first machine (the clock) was created in 1618.