In medieval Italy, a spider bite could send you into a dancing frenzy

· Adafruit Industries Blog · Nov. 11, 2026, 3:16 p.m.
Summary
The blog post explores the historical phenomenon of tarantism in medieval Italy, where people believed spider bites induced a frenzy requiring dance as a cure. It discusses the cultural aspects, including the healing dance, pizzica, and its legacy in modern Italy. However, scientific analysis challenges the myth, attributing symptoms to heat and stress rather than venom.