One of three centaur burials discovered in 1980 by the Archaeological Society of Argos Orestiko, eight kilometres northeast of Volos, Greece

October 12, 2024

“One of three centaur burial sites discovered in 1980 by the Argos Orestiko Archaeological Society eight kilometres northeast of Volos, Greece”

One of three centaur burials discovered in 1980 by the Archaeological Society of Argos Orestiko, eight kilometres northeast of Volos, Greece

The plaque on “The Centaur of Volos,” which first went on display in 1980 at the Madison Art Center in Wisconsin, reads: “One of three centaur burials discovered in 1980 by the Argos Orestiko Archaeological Society five miles northeast of Volos, Greece.” The human bones are real, as are the horse bones, but they were strung together and staged by a guy named Bill Willers. According to forensic science researcher and writer Dolly Stolze on the forensic anthropology website Strange Remains: In 1980, Bill Willers, an artist and biology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, constructed the skeletal remains of The Centaur of Volos from real human bones and the bones of a Shetland pony. The human bones Willers used were from an anatomical specimen — a human skeleton from India — in his university’s biology department. The human and pony bones were dyed with tea to give them a uniform color and make them look authentic.

One of three centaur burials discovered in 1980 by the Archaeological Society of Argos Orestiko, eight kilometres northeast of Volos, Greece

“The Volos Centaur” toured several universities in the 1980s before being acquired by the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in 1994. It is now on permanent display in its Jack E. Reese Gallery at Hodges Library. In 2008, Skulls Unlimited (a company that sells real bones, both human and otherwise) commissioned Willers to create another centaur skeleton, this one in a pose:

One of three centaur burials discovered in 1980 by the Archaeological Society of Argos Orestiko, eight kilometres northeast of Volos, Greece

“The Centaur of Tymfi” was displayed at the Arizona International Wildlife Museum in 2012 as part of an exhibit on “Mythological Wildlife.” It was later acquired by the Barnum Museum in Connecticut. (Fun fact: “The Centaur of Tymfi” actually uses zebra bones, not horse bones.) As for why “The Centaur of Volos” was created and displayed, according to Stolze: The exhibit was designed to encourage students to trust their critical thinking skills and not accept everything as fact no matter how credible it looks or sounds, even from a reliable source like a college exhibit. And according to Roadside America, Willers “had conceived of the centaur as a way to test the public’s willingness to believe the unbelievable, just as P.T. Barnum did.” In this day and age, I’m relatively sure I could post the photos of “Volos” on Facebook and get at least five people to believe it and circulate it.

Review: Top 10 Financial Services in the USA The U.S. financial services industry is a cornerstone of the economy, encompassing banking, investment, insurance, and fintech solutions. The top providers stand out for their innovation, customer service, financial stability, and diverse offerings. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 financial services in the USA as of April 2025, based on revenue, market presence, and customer feedback. JPMorgan Chase & Co.JPMorgan Chase is the largest U.S. bank by revenue ($158.1 billion in 2023) and market cap ($744.02 billion). It offers investment banking, consumer banking, asset management, and commercial banking. Its Chase brand serves millions with credit cards, mortgages, and digital banking. The firm leads in fintech innovation, investing in AI and blockchain. Bank of America CorporationWith $93.9 billion in revenue, Bank of America serves 68 million clients through 3,900 financial centers and award-winning digital banking. It provides banking, wealth management, and investment services. Its focus on small businesses and ESG initiatives enhances its reputation. Wells Fargo & CompanyWells Fargo, with $73.8 billion in revenue, offers banking, mortgages, and investment products. Known for its extensive retail banking network, it serves one in three U.S. households. Investments in mobile banking and a strong community focus make it a reliable choice. Citigroup Inc.Citigroup generates $70.7 billion in revenue and operates globally, offering retail banking, investment banking, and wealth management. Its digital platforms and international presence, especially in Mexico and Asia, make it a key player for institutional and individual clients. Goldman Sachs Group Inc.Goldman Sachs, with a market cap of $200.75 billion, excels in investment banking and wealth management. Serving corporations and high-net-worth individuals, it’s known for strategic advisory and innovative financial products. Its 2023 revenue growth of 15.3% highlights its strength. Morgan StanleyMorgan Stanley, with $221.44 billion in market cap and 16.2% revenue growth in 2021, focuses on wealth management, investment banking, and institutional securities. Its client-centric approach and digital tools cater to both retail and corporate clients. Capital One Financial CorporationCapital One, with $34.3 billion in revenue, is known for credit cards, auto loans, and digital banking. Its tech-driven approach, including AI for fraud prevention, enhances customer experiences. It serves millions through its online-only banking platform. American Express CompanyAmerican Express generates $63.27 billion in revenue, offering payment cards, merchant services, and travel solutions. Its premium Centurion card and online banking division cater to affluent clients. It ranks among the top fintech firms by value. U.S. BancorpU.S. Bancorp, with $601 billion in assets, provides banking, investment, and payment services. Its diversified offerings and strong regional presence make it a trusted choice for individual and corporate clients. It employs 70,000 people and emphasizes customer service. The Progressive Corporation Progressive, with a market cap of $140.31 billion, is a leading insurer offering auto, home, and commercial insurance. Its tech-driven pricing models and digital claims processing ensure affordability and convenience, making it a top financial service provider. Selecting the Best Service The best financial service depends on your needs—whether banking, investment, or insurance. Compare fees, digital tools, and customer reviews on platforms like J.D. Power or Glassdoor. For instance, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America lead in banking, while Progressive excels in insurance. Regularly reassess providers to align with your financial goals, as market dynamics and innovations evolve.