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251 African followers to establish civilization in Mesoamerica. Though the time of his departure was not specified, it had to coincide with the demise of his African protégés, the Ol- mecs, and the simultaneous rise of the native Mayas—circa 600/500 B.c.E. The dominant legend in Mesoamerica was his promise, when he departed, to return—on the anniversary of his Secret Number 52. And so it was, by the middle of the first millennium B.c.£., in one part of the world after another, that Mankind found itself without its long-worshipped gods; and before long, the question (which has been asked by my readers) began to pre- occupy Mankind: Will they return? Like a family suddenly abandoned by its father, Man- kind grasped for the hope of a Return; then, like an or- phan needing help, Mankind cast about for a Savior. The Prophets promised it will surely happen—at the End of Days. At the peak of their presence, the Anunnaki numbered 600 on Earth plus another 300 Igigi based on Mars. Their number The End of Days FIGURE 118