The Dancing Plague of 1518

In July 1518, the streets of Strasbourg were overtaken by a bizarre and deadly phenomenon: hundreds of people danced uncontrollably, some until they collapsed or even died. This episode unpacks the historical context, chronicles the outbreak, examines the city’s attempts to control it, and explores both contemporary and modern explanations for the so-called Dancing Plague. From social tension and famine to mysterious compulsion and exhaustion, we explore one of history’s most haunting and inexplicable events—and the eerie legacy it left behind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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This episode is 51 minutes long.

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This episode was published on September 29, 2025.

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