The Dancing Plague of 1518

In July 1518, Frau Troffea stepped into a Strasbourg street, dancing uncontrollably.

For days, she didn't stop. Within a week, dozens joined, unable to cease

moving. Baffled, officials thought it a curse. They hired musicians,

hoping they'd 'dance it out'. Instead, more joined. At its peak,

over 400 people danced nonstop, a terrifying spectacle. Many collapsed, fainted,

or even died from exhaustion, strokes, or heart attacks. Historians theorize mass

hysteria, ergot poisoning, or collective stress caused this madness. The madness faded.

But for weeks, Strasbourg's streets were a gruesome dance of the damned.