Los Angeles, Aug 10 (IANS) British actor Tom Hiddleston, who has hosted the docu-series ‘Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston’, has spoken about his fascination with the historical ruins of Pompeii. He said that for him visiting Pompeii was about feeling the distance of the 2,000 years between now and then getting compressed.

In the docu-series, the actor, guided by a team of archaeologists, historians, geologists and disaster experts, uncovers remarkable evidence and the stories of real people that challenge long-held assumptions about Pompeii and its final hours, not least revealing that many of those caught up in the disaster had the chance to survive.

Talking about the same, Tom Hiddleston said, "The ancient world has compelled my imagination and curiosity for as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by it all my life. Classical Antiquity is the foundation and cornerstone of Western and European culture. To visit Pompeii is to feel the distance of the 2,000 years between now and then compress. The past becomes the present; the past feels so close. Tangible, honest and real. Our relationship with the past is alive, studying who we were in order to understand who we are. Pompeii is a gateway for that conversation. It's a privilege to host this visually immersive and dynamic series”.

The series blends scripted drama and investigative documentary, and transports audiences to ancient Rome in the hours before and during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

He further mentioned, “Pompeii is often remembered for how its story ended. But by looking closer, we can uncover the details of people's lives, the choices they made, and the moments that came before the city was buried. To revisit the final hours of those ordinary people, caught in an extraordinary moment, and to help bring these remarkable human stories back into the light, is a genuine honor”.

In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius violently erupted, burying Pompeii in volcanic ash. This rapid burial froze the city in time, uniquely preserving its buildings, art and the people.

‘Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston’ is produced by Plimsoll Productions. Tom Barbor-Might serves as showrunner and director; Jessica Ruston and Mark Ravenhill are writers with additional writing by Kevin R. Wright and Tom Barbor-Might; and Grant Mansfield, Kevin R. Wright, Helen Flint and Alan Eyres are executive producers.

The docu-series is available on National Geographic Channel and JioHotstar.