Ancient Egypt artists altered their work, study shows

A close-up detail of the portrait of Ramses II, where the positions of the necklace and sceptre were subtly altered more than 3,000 years ago. Photo: AFP

From subtly shifting the position of Ramses II's sceptre, to touch-ups on a necklace or headdress, ancient Egyptian artists were more creative than previously thought, according to a recent study published.

Using new portable imaging and chemical analysis techniques, an international team of scientists took a fresh look at paintings in the Valley of the Kings - a royal burial ground for pharaohs and other ancient Egyptian elites.