Crime Salad Weird History (Bonus): The Dancing Plague of 1518
Jul 7, 2025
In the summer of 1518, the town of Strasbourg was gripped by a bizarre epidemic of uncontrollable dancing. Starting with one woman, the phenomenon spread, ultimately affecting hundreds and resulting in tragic consequences. Different theories arise—could it be mass hysteria, ergot poisoning from moldy bread, or a religious frenzy? This strange historical event sheds light on how societal pressures can lead to collective madness, inviting listeners to ponder the mysteries of human behavior through time.
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Frau Tofria's Endless Dance
- Frau Tofria started dancing erratically in Strasbourg with no music or party around.
- She danced non-stop for days, sparking dozens, then hundreds, to join in the deadly dance.
Medical Advice Made It Worse
- Officials misdiagnosed the dancing as "hot blood" and prescribed more dancing as treatment.
- They even built a stage and hired musicians, which worsened the deadly dancing outbreak.
Possible Causes of Dancing Fever
- Theories like stress, famine, ergot poisoning, and mass hysteria are considered triggers for the outbreak.
- Strasbourg people were starving and superstitious, believing St. Vitus could curse with uncontrollable dancing.
