Between the 11th and 17th centuries, an epidemic known as dancing mania occurred across Western Europe. This phenomenon involved large groups of people, sometimes thousands at once, who were compelled to dance uncontrollably. These episodes could last for days or weeks, often resulting in physical harm like bruised and bloody feet. Participants also exhibited signs of severe psychological distress, such as screaming about terrifying visions and pleading with religious figures for salvation. The definitive cause of dancing mania remains unknown, though potential explanations include poisoning from spider venom or ergot.