362: The Cases History Left Buried | Introducing HIDDEN HISTORY with Dr. Harini Bhat
Summary
This episode explores the 1518 Strasbourg dancing plague, beginning with Frau Troffea’s uncontrollable dancing. Initially attributed to Saint Vitus’ curse, the outbreak spread to hundreds, prompting city physicians to diagnose "overheated blood." Instead of traditional treatments, they prescribed more dancing to let the affliction burn out, reflecting the era’s blend of spiritual and humoral medical beliefs.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Hidden History podcast
Frau Trofia begins dancing in Strasbourg
Theories of revenge and physical exhaustion
Saint Vitus Dance and spiritual explanations
Transport to shrine and spread of the plague
City council seeks medical explanation
Galenic theory of overheated blood
Prescription of more dancing to cure
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