Surprising ingredients suggest ancient Egyptian paint was far more complex than previously assumed

Ancient Egypt has left us a wealth of artistic treasures, including wall paintings, wooden coffins and limestone reliefs.

Many retain their vibrant colors despite the passage of time, a testament to the ingredients used to make the paint mixtures.

A new study published in the journal Science Advances has taken a closer look at some of the organic materials used in these painted artworks, including paint binders and adhesives.