Throughout history, various groups have been captivated by the belief that the apocalypse was imminent, driven by religious, cultural, or even technological anxieties. From ancient sects to modern cults, groups have been predicted the impending end to humanity. Let’s explore the apocalyptic prophecies of the past that never quite panned out.
Montanism (2nd Century)
In the 2nd century, Montanus, a Christian preacher in Phrygia, prophesied that the New Jerusalem would soon descend from heaven to Earth. His followers, known as Montanists, believed that this event would mark the beginning of a new age and the imminent end of the world.
The Pilgrims of Malmesbury (1260)
In 1260, a group of pilgrims in Malmesbury, England, led by a woman known only as the “Damsel of Cyprus,” claimed the world would end that year. They prepared by digging graves for themselves and awaiting the apocalypse on rooftops. When the world did not end, many were left financially ruined and publicly humiliated.
The Russian Old Believers (1666)
The Old Believers, a traditionalist faction of the Russian Orthodox Church, predicted the end of the world in 1666, based on the number of the Beast from the Book of Revelation. Many burned themselves alive in their homes or fled to remote areas to escape what they believed to be the impending arrival of the Antichrist.
The Great Disappointment (1844)
William Miller, an American preacher, calculated that Christ would return on October 22, 1844. His followers, known as Millerites, prepared eagerly for the event, some even selling or giving away their possessions. When the day passed without incident, the event became known as the Great Disappointment.
Ghost Dance Movement (1890)
The Ghost Dance, a ceremony performed by Native American peoples, was believed to bring about a renewal of the native world and the disappearance of Western influence. The movement culminated in the disastrous Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890 when U.S. troops killed hundreds of Sioux participants. The dancers tragically believed their ritual shirts were bulletproof.
Jehovah’s Witnesses (1914, 1925, 1975)
The Jehovah’s Witnesses have predicted the end of the world multiple times. Their notable predictions include 1914, 1925, and 1975, all years they believed would bring significant biblical events leading to the apocalypse. Each passing year without apocalypse has led to doctrinal adjustments and continued faith among their followers.
Cargo Cults (Post-World War II)
In the South Pacific, cargo cults believed that ancestral spirits would return with “cargo” of modern goods and wealth, signaling the end of the world. These cults arose during and after World War II when islanders misinterpreted the arrival of military supplies.
The Seekers (1954)
A group called the Seekers, led by Chicago housewife Dorothy Martin, believed a great flood would destroy the world on December 21, 1954. Martin claimed to receive messages from aliens, directing her followers to prepare for a spaceship that would rescue them. After the prophecy failed, the group rationalized the non-event as a result of their prayers.
The Peoples Temple (1978)
Led by Jim Jones, over 900 members of The Peoples Temple committed mass suicide in Jonestown, Guyana, in 1978. Jones convinced his followers that their community was under threat and that dying together was the only way to preserve their ideals. This event remains one of the largest mass suicides in history.
Branch Davidians (1993)
The Branch Davidians, led by David Koresh, were involved in a deadly 51-day standoff with federal agents at their compound in Waco, Texas, in 1993. Koresh taught that the government’s siege was a sign of the impending apocalypse. The standoff ended tragically with a fire that killed 76 people, including Koresh.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe (1994)
Before his death in 1994, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, was believed by many of his followers to be the Messiah who would herald the end of days. His passing without fulfilling these prophecies led to a crisis of faith among some followers.
The Order of the Solar Temple (1994-1997)
The Order of the Solar Temple, an esoteric secret society, believed that death was a transition to Sirius, thus justifying mass suicides and murders. Between 1994 and 1997, their members participated in several mass deaths, primarily in Switzerland and Canada.
Aum Shinrikyo (1995)
The Japanese cult Aum Shinrikyo, led by Shoko Asahara, believed they had to start a global apocalypse to save humanity. In 1995, they released sarin gas in the Tokyo subway, killing 13 people and injuring thousands. Asahara used elements of Buddhism, Christianity, and apocalyptic prophecy, leading to one of the deadliest acts of domestic terrorism in Japan.
Heaven’s Gate (1997)
The Heaven’s Gate cult, led by Marshall Applewhite, believed that the Earth would be “recycled” and that they needed to leave their bodies to ascend to a higher existence. In March 1997, 39 members, including Applewhite, committed mass suicide to reach what they thought was an extraterrestrial spacecraft following Comet Hale-Bopp.
Chen Tao (1998)
Chen Tao, also known as the True Way Cult, was a Taiwanese group led by Hon-Ming Chen. They believed God would appear on U.S. television on March 31, 1998, to announce the apocalypse. When this bizarre prediction failed, the group quickly dwindled.
Y2K (1999)
As the year 2000 approached, many feared that the ‘Y2K bug’—a computer flaw related to the formatting of calendar data—would cause catastrophic failures in global infrastructure systems. Some groups believed this would trigger societal collapse or even the end of the world. When the new millennium arrived with minimal impact, the anticipated apocalypse turned into relief.
The Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God (2000)
This Ugandan cult believed the world would end in 2000. After the predicted date passed, leaders orchestrated a mass murder-suicide that resulted in over 700 deaths. This tragic event is one of the deadliest cult disasters in recent history.
Harold Camping (2011)
Radio preacher Harold Camping predicted the world would end on May 21, 2011. When the date passed uneventfully, Camping was recalculated for October 21, 2011, which also came and went without apocalypse. His failed predictions led to widespread ridicule.
December 21, 2012 (Mayan Calendar)
Some interpreted the end of a cycle in the ancient Mayan calendar to mean the apocalypse would occur on December 21, 2012. This led to widespread speculation and fear, with some people stocking survival supplies. The day passed without incident.
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