Egypt’s Reclining Giant: A Skeleton That Stirs Wonder

| Mysterious
October 15, 2024

The hoax began with a doctored photo and later found an open and receptive audience, perhaps thanks to the image’s copious religious backing. A digitally altered photograph created in 2002 shows a reclining giant supported by a wooden platform, with a bow wielding a shovel. The doctor pitches IP for scale.

By 2004, the “discovery” was being blogged and emailed around the world (“Giant skeleton unearthed!”) and is enjoying a resurgence in 2007. The faked photograph might be obvious to most people. But the big story refuses to go away even five years later, if a copious flow of emails to National Geographic News is any indication. (The National Geographic Society owns National Geographic News.)

The messages come from all over the world: Portugal, India, El Salvador, Malaysia, Africa, the Dominican Republic, Greece, Egypt, South Africa and Kepia. But they all ask the same question: Is it true? Helping to fuel the story’s recent resurgence are a handful of media outlets that have reported the find as fact. An oft-cited March 2007 article in India’s Hipdυ Voice, for example, claimed, “A team from the National Geographic Society’s Collaboratioп with the Illudiaп аMу had money to Giaпt hυmaп skeletoп iп iпdia.”

The story cried out to say that the discovery was made by a “National Geographic Team (Iпdia Divisioп) with the support of the Iпdiaп as the area falls under the jurisdiction of the Iпdiaп.” The account added that the team also found tablets with inscriptions suggesting that the giant belonged to a generation of superhumans who are mentioned in the Mahabharata, a hipdυ eріс poem from around 200 BC. “They were very tall, big and very powerful, so much so that “they could put their arms around a tree trunk and tear it off,” the report said, repeating claims that initially appeared in 2004. Voice editor P. Deivamυthυ admitted to National Geographic News that his publication was under attack by false reports. The Mumbai (Bombay)-based newspaper published a retraction after readers alerted Deivamυthυ to the hoax, he said.

“We are against the spread of pests and diseases,” Deivamυthυ added. “Moreover, our readers are a highly intellectual class and will not tolerate any possessed people.” Other blog articles, such as a May 2007 post on a site called Sripi’s Weblog, cite a report purportedly published in the Times of Idia on April 22, 2004. But a search of that newspaper’s archive found that article. The hoax involved the discovery of a 60- to 80-foot-long (18 to 24-meter) human skeleton in Saudi Arabia.

In one popular take, which also first appeared in 2004, an oil exploration team is said to have come to the conclusion. Here the skeleton is displayed as evidence of giants with Islamic, rather than Hippodic, writings. Websites dedicated to uncovering urban legends and “petlore” picked up on the various giant hoaxes soon after they first appeared. California-based Sopes.com, for example, posted that the skeleton image had been stolen from Worth1000, which hosts photo-mapping competitions.

Review: Top 10 Healthcare Services in the USA

The U.S. healthcare industry is a complex ecosystem of providers, insurers, and technology-driven services, delivering critical care to millions. In 2025, the sector is shaped by rising costs (projected at $4.9 trillion in 2023), technological innovation, and a focus on patient-centric care. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 healthcare services in the USA, based on market presence, patient outcomes, and industry impact.

1. HCA Healthcare

HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is the largest health system, operating 220 hospitals and over 40,000 staffed beds across 20 states. Known for comprehensive services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialty treatments, it generates significant net patient revenue. Its scale and advanced technology adoption ensure high-quality care, though accessibility varies by region.

2. Universal Health Services (UHS)

UHS manages 183 hospitals across 40 states, with over 21,000 beds, focusing on acute care and behavioral health. Its facilities in Texas, Florida, and California provide diverse services, from trauma care to psychiatric treatment. UHS’s emphasis on mental health integration aligns with 2025 trends, though high costs can be a barrier.

3. Encompass Health Corporation

With 164 hospitals, Encompass is the largest operator of rehabilitation hospitals, offering specialized post-acute care for stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury patients. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, it operates in 37 states, delivering measurable outcomes through therapy-focused programs. Its niche focus limits broader service scope.

4. CommonSpirit Health

A Catholic-affiliated system with 142 hospitals, CommonSpirit provides acute care, outpatient services, and telehealth across 21 states. It excels in community health programs and equitable access, serving underserved populations. Its integration of AI for diagnostics enhances efficiency, but merger-related challenges can affect consistency.

5. Ascension Health

Ascension operates 139 hospitals, focusing on primary care, oncology, and cardiology. With a mission-driven approach, it serves low-income communities through charity care programs. Its adoption of value-based care (VBC) models, projected to cover 90 million lives by 2027, improves outcomes but faces staffing shortages.

6. Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated healthcare provider, combining insurance and care delivery for 12.5 million members. Its ACA marketplace plans are top-rated for affordability and quality, with low deductibles and strong preventive care. Operating in eight states, its HMO model ensures coordinated care but limits patient choice.

7. Aetna (CVS Health)

Aetna, under CVS Health, provides health insurance and healthcare services, covering 39 million lives. Its ACA plans offer competitive premiums and broad networks, with telehealth and pharmacy integration via CVS. Aetna’s focus on chronic disease management and AI-driven care navigation boosts outcomes, though rural access is limited.

8. Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic, based in Rochester, Minnesota, is renowned for specialized care in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. With 70,000 staff and three major campuses, it serves 1.3 million patients annually. Its research-driven approach and high patient satisfaction earn it top rankings, but costs and geographic reach are drawbacks.

9. Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic, with 23 hospitals, is a leader in cardiac care and medical innovation, serving patients across Ohio, Florida, and Nevada. Its adoption of cloud computing and AI for diagnostics enhances precision medicine. High costs and limited national presence restrict accessibility for some.

10. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

BCBS, a federation of 34 independent companies, insures 115 million Americans, offering PPO, HMO, and EPO plans. Its ACA marketplace plans are widely available, with strong provider networks and wellness programs. BCBS’s focus on digital health tools and equitable access is notable, though premiums vary by state.

Choosing the Right Service

Selecting a healthcare service depends on location, medical needs, and budget. HCA and UHS offer broad hospital-based care, while Kaiser and Aetna excel in integrated insurance and delivery. Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are ideal for specialized treatments, and BCBS provides flexible insurance options. Compare costs (e.g., average ACA premium: $635/month), provider networks, and patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or U.S. News. With 26 million uninsured Americans and rising costs, prioritize services with telehealth, preventive care, and VBC to maximize value.

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