Tripping Through Time: The Strange History of Mushrooms That Changed Civilization episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 26, 2026 · 7 MIN

Tripping Through Time: The Strange History of Mushrooms That Changed Civilization

from The Strange History Podcast · host Strange History

Mushrooms have quietly altered the course of human history in ways most people never learn in school. In this mega-episode of The Strange History Podcast, host Amy explores true historical events where fungi and hallucinogenic mushrooms may have triggered mass hallucinations, religious visions, violent outbreaks, and social collapse. From ergot-poisoned bread linked to the Salem Witch Trials and the Dancing Plague of 1518, to ancient Greek rituals, Viking berserkers, and a French town that collectively lost its mind in 1951, this episode dives deep into the bizarre and unsettling role mushrooms have played in shaping civilization. Equal parts historical deep dive and dark humor, this episode reveals why fungi may be history’s most underestimated influencer.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

Mushrooms have quietly altered the course of human history in ways most people never learn in school. In this mega-episode of The Strange History Podcast, host Amy explores true historical events where fungi and hallucinogenic mushrooms may have triggered mass hallucinations, religious visions, violent outbreaks, and social collapse. From ergot-poisoned bread linked to the Salem Witch Trials and the Dancing Plague of 1518, to ancient Greek rituals, Viking berserkers, and a French town that collectively lost its mind in 1951, this episode dives deep into the bizarre and unsettling role mushrooms have played in shaping civilization. Equal parts historical deep dive and dark humor, this episode reveals why fungi may be history’s most underestimated influencer.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

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Tripping Through Time: The Strange History of Mushrooms That Changed Civilization

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This episode is 7 minutes long.

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This episode was published on January 26, 2026.

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Mushrooms have quietly altered the course of human history in ways most people never learn in school. In this mega-episode of The Strange History Podcast, host Amy explores true historical events where fungi and hallucinogenic mushrooms may have...

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