Queen Nefertiti’s mummy may have been found, says leading archaeologist

| Archeaology
October 23, 2024

Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass examines mummy KV21B in a storage room at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo before performing a DNA sample and CT scan to determine its family tree. This mummy was discovered with another, KV21A, in a tomb discovered in 1817 in the Valley of the Kings. Both mummies may be queens of the 18th dynasty. Hawass and other Egyptian archaeologists consider KV21B to be a candidate for the body of Nefertiti.

Leading Egyptologist Zahi Hawass recently said he is certain a mummy he is currently studying will turn out to be that of Queen Nefertiti.

Hawass, who has been studying Egyptian history and excavating ancient tombs for decades, and was previously Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs in Egypt, is currently preparing an exhibition called ‘Daughters of the Nile’, focusing on women in Pharaonic Egypt.

“I am sure that I will reveal the mummy of Nefertiti in one or two months,” Hawass told Spanish newspaper El Independiente in an interview.

Nefertiti, whose full name was Neferneferuaten Nefertiti, lived from approximately 1370 to 1330 BC. Married to Pharaoh Akhenaten, she was queen of Ancient Egypt during a period of great wealth and was the mother of Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut.

Some believe that after her husband’s death, Nefertiti ruled as queen, though others disagree. Hawass is one such believer.

“I am still looking for two things: [Nefertiti’s] tomb and her body,” Hawass said. “I truly believe that Nefertiti ruled Egypt for three years after Akhenaten’s death under the name Smenkhkare.”

While mummified remains of multiple pharaohs and important figures of ancient Egypt have been discovered, Nefertiti has yet to be identified.

“We already have DNA from mummies of the 18th Dynasty, from Akhenaten to Amenhotep II or III, and there are two unnamed mummies labelled KV21a and b,” he said. “In October we will be able to announce the discovery of the mummy of Ankhesenamun, Tutankhamun’s wife, and her mother, Nefertiti. Also in tomb KV35 is the mummy of a 10-year-old boy. If that boy is Tutankhamun’s brother and Akhenaten’s son, the problem posed by Nefertiti will be solved.”

“I am sure I will reveal which of the two anonymous mummies could be Nefertiti,” Hawass added.

The ancient Egyptians mummified the bodies of their most important dead in a lengthy process that lasted up to 70 days, according to the Smithsonian Museum.

First, all internal organs except the heart were removed to slow their decomposition, using instruments with special hooks to extract the brain in pieces from the nose. The organs were placed in another container and buried with the body. After this step, the body was completely dehydrated using a special salt called natron, which was coated on and inside the body. The bodies were then wrapped in linen and placed in a tomb.

Despite being a source of great intrigue and research for over a century, it is believed that there are still a large number of mummies and treasures left undiscovered from Ancient Egypt.

“We have only found 30 percent of what is underground. A few days ago, a mission found tombs inside several houses in Alexandria,” Hawass said. “Modern Egypt is built on ancient Egypt. And that is why the heritage that remains hidden is immense.”

However, some of Ancient Egypt’s undiscovered treasures may be lost before they can be studied, Hawass said.

“I sincerely believe that [the main threat to the preservation of Egyptian heritage] is climate change,” he said. “The question is: How can the tombs in the Valley of the Kings be protected? If we leave the situation as it is now, within a century all the tombs will have completely disappeared. We need to equip ourselves with a protection plan especially for tombs and temples. Once a year I usually take a photograph of the walls of the Kom Ombo temple and every time I go back, 5 percent of the reliefs have faded. We must work to control climate change.”

Hawass says the only way to preserve Egypt’s history is to close and open the tombs every year, and have a reservation process to enter the tombs.

“There must be a centre to monitor climate change and tourism,” he said. “Tourism is the enemy of archaeology, but we must find a middle ground between the need for tourism for the economy and the preservation of Egyptian monuments. This is extremely important.”

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.

Related Posts