EPISODE · Jul 14, 2026 · 15 MIN
The Salem Witch Trials: Did a Fungus Cause It?
from Roots Revealed · host Beans
In 1692, twenty people were put to death in a small Puritan village for something that never really happened: witchcraft. For over three hundred years, people have blamed this on fear, superstition, and social pressure. But what if the real cause weren't witches or demons? What if it was something in their bread? This is the story of Salem witch trials, and of ergot fungus that may have started it all.Episode artwork: Witch Hill (The Salem Martyr)- sourced from wikimedia______________Support the showJoin The Newsletter 📩 Get a wild historical fact, a fascinating science tidbit, a botanical quiz & much more to your inbox. Subscribe for free: https://rootsrevealed.org/#newsletter____________________________________________________*Royalty-free BGM "Clear Waters" Easy Lemon" ''Parting of Ways'' from incompetech.com**Royalty-free BGM from pixabay.com***Podcast logo is designed by me_____________________________________________________Got feedback or suggestions?💬 I’d love to hear from you! Drop a message at [email protected] Episode Details & WebsiteFind full show notes for every episode: https://rootsrevealed.org/episodesVisit the official website: https://rootsrevealed.orgRead strange and fascinating plant stories: https://rootsrevealed.org/the-peculiar-herbarium
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In 1692, twenty people were put to death in a small Puritan village for something that never really happened: witchcraft. For over three hundred years, people have blamed this on fear, superstition, and social pressure. But what if the real cause weren't witches or demons? What if it was something in their bread? This is the story of Salem witch trials, and of ergot fungus that may have started it all. Episode artwork: Witch Hill (The Salem Martyr)- sourced from wikimedia ______________ Suppo...
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The Salem Witch Trials: Did a Fungus Cause It?
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