London, Aug 5 - Early relatives of spiders that lived around 300 million years ago now stand revealed in detailed three-dimensional models, says a study.

Scientists at Imperial College London (ICL) have created detailed 3D computer models of two fossilized specimens of ancient creatures called Cryptomartus Hindi and Eophrynus Prestvicii, closely related to modern-day spiders.

Russell Garwood, of the ICL who led the study, said: 'Our models almost bring these ancient creatures back to life and it's really exciting to be able to look at them in such detail.'

Researchers created their images by using a CT scanning device, which enabled them to take 3,000 x-rays of each fossil. These were then compiled into precise 3D models, using custom-designed software.

Both the specimens were around the size of a 50 pence piece and they roamed the earth during the Carboniferous period, 359-299 million years ago.

This was a time before dinosaurs, when life was emerging from the oceans to live on land. During this period, the world's continents were merging together near the equator to form one super continent and the first tropical rain forests were playing host to a diverse range of species.