The Dancing Plague of 1518, image 1 of 11 / 1
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The Dancing Plague of 1518

in Where Reality Meets the Unbelievable by Ivana Zivadinovic

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The Dancing Plague of 1518 on “Where Reality Meets the Unbelievable”, a list by Ivana Zivadinovic on TheLysts.

Details

Status
Unexplained
Location
Strasbourg, France
Case Type
Mass hysteria
Synopsis
It began with Frau Troffea dancing alone in Strasbourg — soon, dozens joined her, unable to stop for days. Many collapsed from exhaustion and heart attacks as chaos spread. Priests tried exorcisms, and after weeks, it ended mysteriously. Historians still debate whether it was mass hysteria, ergot poisoning, or something else.
Date or Period
July 1518
Consequences
Dozens dead, panic across the city, ban on music and dancing.
Evidence
Church records, physician notes, city council archives.

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