400 people dance themselves to death?

The Dancing Plague of 1518

Per Google ai:

“The "dancing plague" refers to a series of historical events, particularly in 1518 in Strasbourg, where people danced uncontrollably for days, often until exhaustion or death, with theories ranging from mass hysteria to ergot poisoning.

The dancing plague, also known as choreomania or St. Vitus' Dance, was a phenomenon where groups of people would spontaneously start dancing, seemingly against their will, and continue for days or even weeks, often until they collapsed from exhaustion or injuries.

These events occurred primarily in Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries, with the most famous outbreak occurring in Strasbourg in 1518.

In July 1518, a woman in Strasbourg began dancing in the streets, and soon, dozens, and then hundreds, of others joined her, unable to stop. The dancing continued for weeks, and some people reportedly died from exhaustion or related complications.

Here are some theories

Mass Hysteria: One prominent theory is that the dancing plague was a form of mass hysteria, a psychological phenomenon where a group of people experience similar symptoms, often based on suggestion or belief.

Ergot Poisoning: Another theory suggests that the dancing plague was caused by ergot poisoning, a condition caused by consuming rye contaminated with a fungus that produces toxins.

Religious Beliefs: At the time, some people believed that the dancing plague was a divine punishment or demonic possession.

Social and Economic Factors: Some historians suggest that the dancing plague may have been a response to social and economic hardships, with people turning to dancing as a way to cope with stress or express their emotions.

The Aftermath The dancing plague ended as mysteriously as it began, and the true cause of the phenomenon remains a subject of debate among historians and scientists.

Other Outbreaks: Similar outbreaks of dancing mania occurred in other parts of Europe, including in Aachen in 1374.”

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