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HistorySurprise 5/5Difficulty 4/5Reviewed on September 13, 2026

In 1518, hundreds of people in Strasbourg danced uncontrollably for days.

Why it is true

The so-called dancing plague began with one woman, Frau Troffea, and spread rapidly. People danced until they collapsed from exhaustion. The causes are still debated, with hypotheses such as ergotism or extreme psychological stress.

Source: History Today

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