An ancient handprint on an Egyptian burial model has been uncovered at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, ahead of its exhibition.

Tombos became an important colonial hub after Egypt conquered Nubia around 1500 BCE. The population was thought to consist mostly of scribes, professionals and craftspeople.

The oldest known Egyptian DNA sample, from a man who lived between 4,500 to 4,800 years ago, offers new insights into the potential ancestry of those who belonged to the enduring civilization.