Join us as we delve into the top 10 strangest events of the medieval period, where reality meets the extraordinary.
In Strasbourg, a strange phenomenon occurred where hundreds of people danced uncontrollably for days, some even dying from exhaustion. The cause remains a mystery.
Thousands of children from various European regions embarked on a supposed holy crusade to reclaim Jerusalem. The event ended tragically, with many children being sold into slavery or perishing along the way.
In medieval Europe, animals were sometimes put on trial for crimes such as damaging crops or causing harm to humans. These trials, complete with legal proceedings, highlight the superstitious and irrational beliefs of the time.
A strange medieval belief was the existence of a mythical creature called the Vegetable Lamb, which was believed to be a lamb growing from a plant. This belief was based on misconceptions about the growth of cotton.
The Tarantella was a dance associated with the belief that victims of tarantula spider bites could be cured by frenzied dancing. It was believed that the dance would sweat out the poison.
During the Albigensian Crusade, the Catholic Crusaders, when asked how to distinguish heretics from Catholics, were reportedly told by their leader, “Kill them all, God will know His own.” The resulting massacre claimed the lives of thousands.
Protestants in Prague rebelled against their Catholic rulers, leading to a violent conflict. One notable event was the defenestration (throwing out of a window) of several Catholic officials, sparking the Hussite Wars.
In the 12th century, a wild man was supposedly captured near the town of Orford in England. He was said to have animalistic features and was exhibited as a curiosity for many years, fueling medieval fascination with the unknown.
This ancient Greek sculpture depicting a drunken satyr was rediscovered in Rome during the medieval period. It caused controversy due to its explicit nudity and was considered scandalous by some.
According to a myth that emerged during the medieval period, there was a female pope named Joan who reigned in the 9th century. The story was later discredited, but it captured the imagination of medieval society.
These strange events of the medieval period showcase the beliefs, customs, and superstitions prevalent during that time. They highlight the peculiarities and fascinating aspects of medieval life and continue to intrigue and puzzle historians and enthusiasts alike.