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Today in History: Dancing Mania Outbreak Begins in Aachen, Spreads Across Europe

6/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On June 24, 1374, an outbreak of dancing mania began in Aachen, a prosperous city in the Holy Roman Empire. This bizarre phenomenon saw large groups of people dancing uncontrollably, often until they collapsed from exhaustion or injury. The mania quickly spread across Europe, marking a significant and puzzling social event of the time.

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Story summary

On June 24, 1374, an outbreak of dancing mania began in Aachen, a prosperous city in the Holy Roman Empire. This bizarre phenomenon saw large groups of people dancing uncontrollably, often until they collapsed from exhaustion or injury. The mania quickly spread across Europe, marking a significant and puzzling social event of the time.