The gilded bust of Emperor Marcus Aurelius from Avenches in western Switzerland is to go on display at the Getty Museum.

| Archeaology
October 30, 2024

The gilded bust of Emperor Marcus Aurelius from Avenches in western Switzerland will go on display at the Getty. It is the largest known bust of an emperor made of a precious metal and one of the few gold busts that was not melted down. This bust of Marcus Aurelius is so rare and so valuable that it is usually kept in a bank vault. Instead, the Roman Museum in Avenches keeps a copy on display. It has only been displayed a dozen times and never before in the United States.

The bust was discovered in 1939 during an excavation of a temple at Avenches’ ancient predecessor, Aventicum. Aventicum was the capital of the Helvetii and was incorporated into the Roman Empire under Augustus in 15 BC. Vespasian granted it colonia status in AD 71/2, prompting a major urban redevelopment of the city. A large temple complex modelled on Vespasian’s Templum Pacis in Rome and dedicated to the local Helvetii gods and the cult of the emperor was built during this time.

Found in a sewer junction beneath the main courtyard of the temple complex, the gilded bust measures 13 inches tall and weighs 3.5 pounds—the equivalent of 220 aurei of gold from the time of Marcus Aurelius (r. AD 161–180). It is crafted from a single sheet of cold-worked gold using the repousse technique. The goldsmith hammered the back of the sheet to create the emperor’s three-dimensional features: a thick head of hair, a manicured beard, and intense eyes. Fine details were engraved into the outer surface after the repousse was complete. He wears a lorica plumata , a breastplate decorated with rows of feathers, around a central gorgoneion.

Only about 15 imperial portraits made of precious metals, and only six of them made of gold, survived the challenge of being destroyed in antiquity because of their weight. Hollow, portable, and requiring a stand to stand, this type of portrait was created to be an imago, an effigy of the emperor intended to embody his sacred authority in processions and temples dedicated to imperial worship. Marcus Aurelius wrote in a letter of AD 162/3 to the curator of the temple at Ephesus that portraits of past emperors should never be altered to resemble other emperors (a common practice with marble portraits) or melted down.

“There must be no reworking of the material to make it resemble us. For if in other respects we do not claim honours for ourselves, much less should we allow those of others to be transferred to us. Many of the statues which are in a good state of preservation should be preserved under their original names, but with regard to those which are too deteriorated to be identified, perhaps their titles may be recovered from the inscriptions on their bases or from such records as may exist in the possession of the Council, so that our progenitors may rather receive a renewal of their honour than its extinction by the fusion of their images.”

The bust will be on display at the Getty Villa in Los Angeles from May 31 this year until January 29, 2024.

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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