Unearth the bizarre and terrifying history of the Dancing Plague in this Whispers from the Dark episode. Explore the notorious 1518 outbreak in Strasbourg, Alsace (modern-day France), where hundreds of people were seized by an uncontrollable urge to dance, often to their deaths from exhaustion, strokes, and heart attacks. This podcast delves into the initial accidental discovery by Frau Troffea and the swift, misguided response of Strasbourg authorities who encouraged the dancing, inadvertently worsening the crisis. We examine the leading theories attempting to explain this historical enigma: from ergot poisoning (a fungus similar to LSD) to mass psychogenic illness (mass hysteria) driven by extreme medieval societal stress, famine, and disease. Discover documented historical accounts of dancing mania across Europe, including Aachen, Germany, and the lasting mystery of why this strange affliction vanished. Perfect for true crime, history, and paranormal enthusiasts seeking in-depth analysis of unsolved historical puzzles. Optimize your podcast search for a deep dive into humanity's most inexplicable collective phenomena.

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• (00:00:08) - Whispers from the Dark
• (00:00:46) - The Dancing Plague