The ancient disaster of Pompeii is enjoying an odd moment in the cultural spotlight: not only did Kit Harington’s apocalyptic-romance set during the volcano eruption open last Friday, but British band Bastille has been steadily climbing the charts with their disaster-themed single, also titled Pompeii. Why is the prospect of death by hot ash grabbing our cultural consciousness? The National Post’s David Berry sifts through the clues in the hit single.

Reading suggestion: Listen to Bastille’s hit Pompeii below, then scroll down to follow along with the lyrics.