Reconstruction of King Djoser, also known as Netjerikhet, was the second King of the 3rd Dynasty (ca. 2650-2575 BC) of ancient Kemet

| Archeaology
October 16, 2024

The painted limestone statue of Zoser, now in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, is the oldest known life-size Egyptian statue. The statue was found during the Antiquities Service’s excavations of 1924-1925. Today, at the site in Saqqara where it was found, a plaster copy of the statue stands in place of the original.

In contemporary inscriptions he is called Netjerikhet, meaning “divine in body.” Later sources, including a New Kingdom reference to his construction, help confirm that Netjerikhet and Zoser are the same person.

While Manetho names Necherophes and the Turin King List names Nebka as the first ruler of the Third Dynasty, many Egyptologists now believe that Zoser was the first king of this Dynasty, pointing out that the order in which some of Khufu’s predecessors are mentioned in the Westcar Papyrus suggests that Nebka should be placed between Zoser and Huni, not before Zoser. More significantly, the English Egyptologist Toby Wilkinson has shown that funerary seals found at the entrance to the tomb of Khasekhemwy at Abydos mention only Zoser and not Nebka. This supports the view that Zoser buried and directly succeeded Khasekhemwy rather than Nebka.

Family

Djoser is linked to Khasekhemwy, the last king of the Second Dynasty of Egypt, through his wife Queen Nimaethap (Nimaat-hap), via seals found in Khasekhemwy’s tomb and at Beit Khallaf. The Abydos seal names Nimaat-hap as the “mother of the king’s sons, Nimaat-hap.” In mastaba K1 at Beit Khallaf, the same person is mentioned as the “mother of the dual king.” The dating of other seals at the Beit Khallaf site places them in the reign of Zoser. This evidence suggests that Khasekhemwy is Zoser’s direct father or that Nimaat-hap had him through a previous husband. German Egyptologist Gunter Dreyer found Zoser’s sealings in Khasekhemwy’s tomb, further suggesting that Zoser was Khasekhemwy’s direct successor and that he finished the construction of the tomb.

His cult seems to have been still active in the later reign of Snefru.

Hetephernebti is identified as one of Zoser’s queens “on a series of boundary stelae from the Step Pyramid enclosure (now in several museums) and a relief fragment from a building at Hermopolis” now in the Egyptian Museum in Turin.

Inetkawes was his only daughter known by name. A third royal wife was also attested during Zoser’s reign, but her name was destroyed. Zoser’s relationship with his successor, Sekhemkhet, is unknown, and the date of his death is uncertain.

Reign

The lands of Upper and Lower Egypt were united into a single kingdom around 2686 BC. The period following the unification of the crowns was one of prosperity, marked by the beginning of the Third Dynasty and the Old Kingdom of Egypt. The exact identity of the founder of the dynasty is a matter of debate due to the fragmentary nature of records from the time. Zoser is a leading candidate for the founder of the Third Dynasty. Other candidates include Nebka and Sanakht. Possibly complicating matters further is that Nebka and Sanakht refer to the same person.

Egyptologist Toby Wilkinson believes that the weight of archaeological evidence favours Zoser (Netjerikhet) as Khasekhemwy’s successor and founder of the Third Dynasty. A seal from Khasekhemwy’s tomb at Abydos, combined with a seal from mastaba K1 at Beit Khallaf dating to Djoser’s reign, links the two pharaohs as father and son respectively. The Abydos seal names a ‘Nimaat-hap’ as the mother of Khasekhemwy’s sons, while the other seal at Beit Khallaf names the same person as the ‘mother of the dual king’. Further archaeological evidence linking the reigns of the two pharaohs is found at Shunet et-Zebib, suggesting that Zoser oversaw the burial of his predecessor. The stone ritual vessels found at the tomb sites (Khasekhemwy’s tomb at Abydos and Djoser’s tomb at Saqqara) of the two pharaohs also appear to have come from the same collection, as samples from both sites contain identical images of the god Min. This archaeological evidence is complemented by at least one historical source, the Saqqara king list, which names Zoser as Beby’s immediate successor, a misinterpretation of Khasekhemwy.

 

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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