Most of these predictions are based on interpretations of religious writings, though some are based purely on numbers. The most famous recent prediction revolved around the year 2000 because it marked the start of a new millennium (a period of 1000 years).
Computers were going to crash, riots would take place, food and water would run out and everyone would starve. Of course, nothing like that occurred.
One prediction of impending doom related specifically to Australia. A spokesman from one religious group, Jehovah's Witnesses, declared that Adelaide would be destroyed by a tsunami on January 20, 1976.
