AN ancient city in Israel has been brought back to life through the computer genius of a York multi-media company, it was revealed today.

The award-winning audio-visual team of the Continuum Group is celebrating the completion of the first phase of a $600,000 (£331,500) contract to travel back in time to the Mediterranean city of Caesarea in Judea.

Staff at the company in St Edmunds House, Margaret Street, and their clients will be celebrating at an invitation-only viewing of their ground-breaking audio visual show, entitled Caesaria Reconstructed, at York's City Screen cinema on August 4.

It is part of a $3.5 million (nearly £2 million) first phase commissioned from Continuum by the Caesaria Development Corporation headed by Benjamin Edmond de Rothschild.

Applying the same computer- generated imaging techniques that were used in epic films like Lord Of The Rings and Troy, the Continuum team uses 3D animation to show life - and death - as it was on the harbour area, known as Maritima.

The dramatic seven-minute film features a fast-paced overview of the centuries - the fevered construction of the harbour ordered by King Herod, boats plying their trade, citizens at play in a Roman amphitheatre and chariot race, or milling around in the market place.

It also shows in immense detail armies at war and the burning of the city in 1295 by the slave driver Sultan Baybars, leader of the Ukraine tribe determined to sack the cities of the crusades.

The carefully-researched film will first be seen in a new visitor centre opening on the world-famous archaeological site between Tel Aviv and Haifa on Thursday.

Visitors there will be able to marvel at an interactive room where figures of history related to the city, such as Roman governor Pontius Pilate or St Paul who was imprisoned there, can be conjured - and questioned - at the press of a button; and at a "time tower" - a 13th century citadel which features vistas of the city as they were in different centuries, including today.

Other phases of the project over the next six years could cost a total of up to $15 million (£8.3 million) and Continuum has been named as "preferred partner".

The cinema showing will be introduced by Jane Weeks, head of Creative Industries at the British Council, who is leading the British Government's drive to increase exports in the creative sector.

Dominic Tweddle, Continuum's chief executive, said that when he pitched for the job, Continuum's presentation was greeted with cheers. He quipped: "It was the first time anybody applauded me for suggesting they should spend up to $15 million!"

Updated: 10:07 Monday, July 12, 2004