The Dancing Plague of 1518
Failed to add items
Sorry, we are unable to add the item because your shopping cart is already at capacity.
Add to basket failed.
Please try again later
Add to Wish List failed.
Please try again later
Remove from Wish List failed.
Please try again later
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
The Dancing Plague of 1518
-
Narrated by:
-
By:
About this listen
The Dancing Plague of 1518
In the summer of 1518, a woman stepped into the streets of Strasbourg and began to dance. She could not stop. Days passed, then weeks, as dozens joined her—arms flailing, feet bleeding, bodies collapsing. Some danced to their deaths.
What unfolded was a mass affliction no one could explain—blamed at turns on cursed saints, overheated blood, or collective sin. Physicians prescribed more dancing. Musicians were hired. The rhythm spread.
This is not a legend. It was recorded by city councils, chroniclers, and physicians alike. And then, almost as suddenly as it began, the plague faded into silence—leaving only the record.
Vault reopens that file.
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.