Q
What caused the Dancing Plague of 1518?
A
Expert Answer
In Strasbourg, a woman began dancing uncontrollably and was joined by hundreds over weeks. Some died. Theories include: ergot poisoning (psychoactive fungus on rye), stress-induced mass psychogenic illness, or religious fervor. The exact cause remains uncertain.
Key Insight
In Strasbourg, a woman began dancing uncontrollably and was joined by hundreds over weeks.
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