Contagions #4 - L’ergotisme : le mal des ardents

Long before its origins were understood, ergotism struck medieval populations in the form of fits of madness or terrible gangrene. This food poisoning, caused by a parasitic fungus of rye, wreaked havoc comparable to true epidemics. This episode recounts how contemporaries interpreted this mysterious illness and how it inspired beliefs, religious processions, and works of art. A deep dive into a disease now almost forgotten but which profoundly marked medieval Europe. ---------------------------------- Contagions: A History of Epidemics Did you know that the Black Death decimated a third of the European population in barely five years? That cholera devastated Brussels to the point of permanently transforming the city and its healthcare system? And that smallpox remains the only infectious disease completely eradicated thanks to vaccination? This documentary series traces the major epidemics that have marked human history. From the plague to leprosy, from cholera to tuberculosis, from ergotism to syphilis, "Contagions" recounts the stories of diseases that sowed fear, provoked collective panic, inspired beliefs, transformed cities, and accelerated the progress of medicine. Alongside historians, biologists, anthropologists, and archivists, this podcast explores medieval quarantines, religious processions, scapegoating, the birth of vaccines, major public health policies, and the social transformations brought about by pandemics. Through archives, ancient manuscripts, historical accounts, and scientific discoveries, "Contagions" sheds light on our relationship with fear, the body, science, and death. Written and directed by: Céline Rase Sound design: Jonathan Remy An RTBF La Première podcast, in partnership with ULB and with the support of National Lottery players. ULB Podcasts (https://actus.ulb.be/fr/ulb-medias/ul..., the podcasts of the Université libre de Bruxelles. Hosted by Ausha. Visit ausha.co/fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.