The Dancing Plague of 1518: A Historical Enigma

  

Introduction

In the sweltering summer of 1518, the city of Strasbourg (then part of the Roman Empire, now in modern-day France) witnessed a perplexing and alarming phenomenon: a sudden outbreak of uncontrollable dancing. Dozens, and eventually hundreds, of people danced fervently in the streets for days, with some reportedly dancing to their deaths. This event, known as the Dancing Plague of 1518, remains one of history's most baffling medical mysteries.

 

The Incident

The episode began in July 1518 when a woman named Frau Troffea stepped into the streets of Strasbourg and began dancing with fervor. She continued this frenzied activity for several days without rest. Within a week, approximately 30 others had joined her, and by August, the number of dancers had swelled to around 400. Many of these people collapsed from exhaustion, and some succumbed to strokes or heart attacks.

 Eyewitness accounts describe the dancers' movements as spasmodic and uncontrollable, with vacant expressions and limbs flailing. Some reports suggest that at the peak of the outbreak, up to 15 people per day were dying from the exertion, though exact numbers remain uncertain.

 

The City's Response

City officials, baffled by the situation, consulted physicians who attributed the phenomenon to "hot blood" and recommended continuous dancing as a cure. Consequently, authorities arranged for musicians and professional dancers to accompany the afflicted, even constructing stages to facilitate the activity. However, this approach exacerbated the situation, leading to more participants and fatalities.

As the crisis intensified, the city council reconsidered their strategy. Believing the dancers were suffering from divine wrath, they banned music and dancing in public. The afflicted were transported to a shrine dedicated to St. Vitus, located in the hills above the nearby town of Saverne. There, they underwent religious rituals, including wearing red shoes sprinkled with holy water and circling a wooden figurine of the saint. Following these interventions, the dancing mania began to subside.

 

Theories and Causes

Over the centuries, scholars have proposed various theories to explain the Dancing Plague:

Mass Hysteria: Historian John Waller posits that the event was a case of mass psychogenic illness, triggered by extreme stress due to famine, disease, and religious fervor. This theory is widely accepted among modern scholars. 

Ergot Poisoning: Some researchers suggest that ergot, a hallucinogenic mold found on damp rye, may have caused the dancers' symptoms. However, this theory is contested, as ergotism typically leads to convulsions and hallucinations, not prolonged dancing. 

Cultural Influence: During the 16th century, Europeans believed that St. Vitus could curse people with a dancing plague. This belief, combined with the hardships of the time, may have contributed to the outbreak.

 

Conclusion

The Dancing Plague of 1518 remains one of history's most enigmatic events. It highlights the complex interplay between societal stress, cultural beliefs, and human psychology. While modern theories offer plausible explanations, the true cause of the dancing mania continues to elude definitive understanding.