Journey through the Incas: Revealing humanity’s greatest mummy – a legacy from work to eternity

| Archeaology
October 30, 2024

The standout attraction for visitors to the Anthropology Museum in Arequipa, Peru, is undoubtedly the Juanita Mummy, one of the most preserved mummies in the world. Her dark-skinned face and disciplined hands and arms show hardly any signs of deterioration. Her discoverer, Johan Reinhard, had even noted how perfectly the mummy’s skin had been preserved, “worthy of visiting her villages.” As peaceful as she appears, one of many ghostly-looking mummies archaeologists have discovered, Juanita’s life was a sacrifice to the Inca gods.

The Juanita Mummy is a featured attraction at the Museo de la Nación in Lima, Peru. In March 1999, scientists estimated that Juanita was between 12 and 15 years old when she was sacrificed as part of an Incan ritual involving the killing of children. Translated as “royal obliquity,” coca cachaca was the Incan attempt to ensure that the best and healthiest among them were sacrificed to appease the gods, as well as a way to stop a disastrous or unhealthy harvest. The preparation for Juanita’s death was not as smooth as expected. Her final days indicated that she was selected for her physical appearance approximately a year before her actual death and was moved from the official list of potential mares to the eternal home of protein animals and corn, along with copious amounts of coca and alcohol.

As Andrew Wilson, an expert forensic pathologist and forensic archaeologist, explained to National Geographic, the six to eight months of Juanita’s life as a child sacrifice priestess were one of the most intoxicating states of psychological euphoria, altered by the altered status of the state psychologist altered by the chemical reaction of cocaine and alcohol. Archaeologists believe that at the end, when Juanita was selected for sacrifice, she was in a stable emotional and relaxed state. While the Incas could perfect this drugged concoction, which, coupled with high amounts of mountaineering, would lead to the priests falling into a deep sleep, Juanita was not so lucky. Mummy Juanita Forensic Radiologist Elliot Fischer would discover that Juanita’s death was caused by massive head trauma from a blow to the head with a wooden bat. Fischer concluded that her injuries were “typical of someone who has been hit by a batting baseball.” After death, her skull swelled with blood, pushing her brain to the side.

After Juanita’s death, which occurred between 1450 and 1480, her body is believed to have remained in the mountains until it was discovered in September 1995 by archaeologist Johan Reinhard and his expedition partner, Miguel Zárate. If not for volcanic activity, it is possible that the glacier surrounding Monte Ampato would have kept the mummy and its burial site hidden. But because of the volcanic activity, melted snow from Monte Ampato began to melt, pushing the mummy and its burial site down the mountain. Reinhard and Zárate discovered the small mummy mound inside a cave in the mountain, along with numerous ritual objects, shells, and small figurines. The heat, approximately 20,000 feet above the summit of Monte Ampato, had left the mummies nearly intact. “Doctors have been shaking their heads and saying [the mummies] don’t look 500 years old [but] they could have died a few weeks ago,” Reinhard recalled in a 1999 interview.

The discovery of such mummified dolls naturally prompts a deep dive into scientific knowledge. Reinhard would return to the mountain with a team and find two more mummies, this time a dying boy and girl, this time a girl and a girl. Reports from a Spanish soldier who witnessed scientific acts of child sacrifice suggested that the boy and girl might have been buried as “companion sacrifices” for Mumiya Juanita.

In short, experts estimate that there are hundreds of mummified dolls of Inca children still waiting to be discovered in the peaks of the Andes.

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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