The Dancing Plague of 1518: Why Hundreds Danced Until They Dropped

In the summer of 1518, the residents of Strasbourg (then part of the Holy Roman Empire) were struck by a bizarre and terrifying event that would go down in history as one of the strangest epidemics of all time—the dancing plague of 1518.

Over the course of several weeks, hundreds of people were compelled to dance uncontrollably in the streets, sometimes for days on end.

What started as a few individuals dancing wildly soon escalated into a mass phenomenon, with people collapsing from exhaustion, and in some cases, dying from strokes or heart attacks. But what could have caused such a strange and deadly outbreak?

In this article, we will explore the dancing plague of 1518, delving into the theories behind the epidemic, its social and historical context, and the lasting mystery surrounding the event.

Was it a mass psychogenic illness, a form of religious fervor, or something far stranger? Let’s dance our way through history to uncover the truth.

The Beginning of the Dance

It all started in July of 1518 when a woman named Frau Troffea began dancing in the streets of Strasbourg.

She danced for hours without stopping, and, as the day wore on, more and more people joined her. Within a week, dozens of people were dancing uncontrollably. By the end of the month, the number had grown to over 400 people.

Witnesses described the dancers as being in a trance-like state, unable to stop their movements, even as their bodies began to break down from exhaustion.

The authorities, baffled by the phenomenon, believed it was a form of divine punishment or perhaps a curse.

In response, they even arranged for a special stage to be set up and musicians to play, hoping that the dancers would “dance out” the affliction. Unfortunately, this only seemed to make things worse.

Read also: The Strange Story of the Dancing Plague of 1518

Theories Behind the Dancing Plague

The dancing plague of 1518 has puzzled historians and scientists for centuries. Several theories have emerged to explain this bizarre outbreak of mass hysteria.

While no single explanation has been universally accepted, here are some of the most prominent theories:

1. Ergot Poisoning: The “St. Anthony’s Fire” Theory

One of the most widely accepted theories is that the dancers were suffering from ergot poisoning. Ergot is a type of fungus that grows on damp rye and can cause hallucinations, muscle spasms, and other symptoms.

In the 16th century, rye was a staple food, and it’s believed that the affected people may have eaten bread made from rye that was contaminated with ergot.

The symptoms of ergot poisoning, also known as “St. Anthony’s Fire,” include vivid hallucinations, convulsions, and a burning sensation in the limbs.

It is thought that the ergot fungus could have caused the dancers to lose control of their movements, believing they were in a trance-like state.

However, some critics argue that ergot poisoning would not explain the widespread nature of the dance or the fact that it went on for weeks.

2. Mass Psychogenic Illness (Mass Hysteria)

Another theory is that the dancing plague of 1518 was a case of mass psychogenic illness, also known as mass hysteria.

Mass hysteria occurs when a group of people is affected by a shared psychological disturbance, leading them to experience similar symptoms, often in response to stress or social pressure.

During the 16th century, Strasbourg was a city under great stress. The region had recently been ravaged by plague, famine, and religious conflict.

These hardships, combined with the harsh living conditions and a deeply religious society, may have contributed to a psychological breakdown.

In a highly charged atmosphere, the idea of dancing uncontrollably could have spread through suggestion, causing more and more people to succumb to the “dance mania.”

People who were stressed or anxious may have danced themselves into a trance-like state, and the spectacle could have led to others joining in.

3. Religious Fervor and Ritual Dancing

Some researchers have proposed that the dancing plague of 1518 may have been linked to religious fervor or ecstatic dancing.

During this period, many people believed in the power of divine intervention, and some sects practiced “dancing for God” as a way to expel evil spirits or seek spiritual enlightenment.

This theory suggests that the dancers may have been participating in a religious ritual that spiraled out of control.

It is also possible that the group dynamic and the pressure to conform led to more people joining in, thinking that they were engaging in a spiritual practice.

In the absence of medical explanations, many people turned to religion as a way to understand and cope with their suffering.

4. Environmental Factors: Heat and Dehydration

Some scientists have pointed out that environmental factors could have played a role in the dancing plague of 1518. Extreme heat and dehydration can cause disorientation, dizziness, and loss of motor control.

The hot summer temperatures in Strasbourg may have contributed to the dancers’ strange behavior, and the combination of physical exhaustion, dehydration, and possible malnutrition could have caused people to dance uncontrollably.

The Aftermath of the Dancing Plague

The dancing plague of 1518 eventually subsided, but not before it had left a trail of devastation. Several people died from exhaustion, strokes, or heart attacks, though estimates of the death toll vary.

The city’s authorities, unsure of how to handle the situation, tried several methods to stop the dancing, including bringing in priests to pray for the afflicted and even paying musicians to continue playing in the hopes that it would “cure” the dancers.

Eventually, the phenomenon simply faded away, and the people who had danced were left with little explanation for what had happened.

The Mystery That Endures

To this day, the dancing plague of 1518 remains one of the most perplexing and unsettling mysteries in history.

Theories abound, but no single explanation fully accounts for the bizarre behavior of the people involved. Whether it was a case of mass hysteria, ergot poisoning, or a religious ritual gone awry, the truth remains elusive.

What is certain is that the event left an indelible mark on the history of Strasbourg and has fascinated researchers, historians, and enthusiasts for centuries.

Conclusion

The dancing plague of 1518 is a chilling and mysterious event that continues to captivate our imaginations.

While the exact cause of the epidemic remains unclear, it offers valuable insights into human psychology, the influence of environmental factors, and the role of social dynamics in shaping behavior.

The question still lingers: Was it a mass hysteria event, a result of ergot poisoning, or something else entirely?

What do you think happened during the dancing plague of 1518?

FAQ

1. What was the Dancing Plague of 1518?
The Dancing Plague of 1518 was a mysterious event in Strasbourg where hundreds of people danced uncontrollably for days, with some even dying from exhaustion or related causes.

2. What caused the Dancing Plague of 1518?
There are several theories, including ergot poisoning, mass psychogenic illness (hysteria), and religious fervor. The true cause remains debated.

3. How long did the Dancing Plague last?
The dancing lasted for several weeks, with some participants continuing to dance for days on end.

4. Did anyone die from the Dancing Plague?
Yes, several people reportedly died from exhaustion, heart attacks, or strokes during the event.

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