JonnyMcA Wrote:
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> So it seems
> based on this small sample of scholars,

They're small, but they're good ...

> that while
> we know why some civilisations have a zero point
> (for want of a better terminology)), there is
> little consensus as to why the current cycle of 13
> baktuns begins in 3114 BC, but they suspect that
> it has something to do with some celestial cycle.

Yes - it seems they can't wholly agree on this point.

However, not just "some celestial cycle", but a combination of celestial cycles. And I'm not really sure how celestial cycles, as such, could be linked to the impacts, or "some real physical atmospheric phenomena", that might have caused the ammonium/nitrate spikes ...

> Of course three authors may not reflect academic
> consensus, and there may be other information out
> there.

They seem to be in conflict over matters of detail, certainly, but each is considered to be a leading authority on Mayan cosmology and thought.

> I know from my own research that there
> doesnt seem to be any reason why this current
> Baktun count starts when it does.

Well: as we've seen, the hot money seems to be on celestial cycles - but linking those cycles to physical impacts might be a completely different kettle of fish. And then, as Bernard said a few posts ago, you would also have to show that the proto-Maya had a way of recording information and passing it on accurately for thousands of years ... With the best will in the world, that really would be pushing it some!

Hermione
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