Reviving Majesty: Facial Reconstruction of Ramesses II Using the Pharaoh’s Mummified Remains.

October 16, 2024
Artificial intelligence can reconstruct what Pharaoh Ramses II (1303 – 1213 BC) might have looked like.
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Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, was the third pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. He is regarded as the greatest, most celebrated, and most powerful pharaoh of the New Kingdom Age, as well as the most powerful pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. He was considered the “Great Ancestor” by his successor and heir, Usimare Setepenre, “The Chosen One of Ra”. He is also known as Ozymandias in Greek sources, from the first verse of Ramesses’ poem, Usimare Setepenre, “The Chosen One of Ra”, “The King of Kings”.
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Ramesses II led several military expeditions into the Levant, reasserting Egyptian control over the Canaan region. He also led expeditions south into Nubia, documented in inscriptions at Beit el-Wali and Gerf Hussein. The period of his reign witnessed the construction of cities, temples and monuments. He established the city of Pi-Ramesses in the Nile Delta as his new capital and used it as a base for his campaigns in Syria. At first, he was supported by his father, Seti I. He is believed to have taken the throne in his late teens and is credited with reigning over Egypt from 1279 to 1213 BC.Estimates of Ramesses II’s age vary; most contemporary Egyptologists place him on the throne on 31 May 1279 BC, based on the date of his father, Seti I’s, accession on the 27th. Estimates of his age at death vary; 90 or 91 is considered the most likely. Ramesses II celebrated a series of jubilee festivals or sed festivals during his reign, beginning 30 years into his reign, and then every three years thereafter. At his death, he was buried in a tumulus in the Valley of the Kings; his body was later moved to a cache box where it was discovered in 1881, and is now on display at the Egyptian Museum.
Ảnh đã uploadIn 1975, Maurice Bucaille, a French surgeon, examined the mummy at the Cairo Museum and found it in poor condition. French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing was successful in convincing the authorities to send the mummy to France for treatment. In September 1976, it was treated at Paris-Le Bourget Airport with full medical equipment before being taken by ambulance to the Musée de l’Hôtel.The mummy was forensically examined by Professor Pierre-Fernand Ceccaldi, the head of forensic medicine at the Paris Institute of Criminology. Ceccaldi determined that: “Here, astonishingly, it showed some dental characteristics — especially concerning pigmentation: Ramesses II was a natural reddish blond.” The diagnosis led to a paroxysm of the press with red curls. Subsequent electron microscopy of the roots of Ramesses II’s hair proved that the king’s hair was originally red, suggesting that he came from a red hair line. This has more than just a cosmetic significance: in ancient Egypt people with red hair were associated with the god Seth, the lord of death, darkness and chaos, and Ramesses II’s father and mother, Seti I, were “followers of Seth.”
In 1976, the mummy of Ramses II was sent to France for forensic analysis, revealing a surprising detail: his naturally reddish hair. This find, confirmed by electron microscopy, links the pharaoh to the Egyptian god Seth, associated with chaos and death. Ramses II, descended from worshippers of Seth, challenges conventional interpretations of Egyptian royalty, sparking debates about his lineage and symbolism. This fascinating revelation adds a mystical dimension to the story of the legendary pharaoh.

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.