The (Latin for "enlightened") refers to both a verified historical secret society and a widely popularized modern conspiracy theory regarding an elite group seeking world domination . The Historical Order (1776–1785)
Despite its historical dissolution, the concept of the Illuminati resurfaced as a central fixture of conspiracy fiction and pop culture . what is the illuminati
: Members called themselves "Perfectibilists" and adopted ciphers and grades similar to Freemasonry . The (Latin for "enlightened") refers to both a
The was a real secret society founded on May 1, 1776, in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, by Adam Weishaupt . The was a real secret society founded on
: Contemporary theorists often claim the Illuminati survived and now consists of a shadowy cabal of international bankers, politicians, and media moguls working toward a "New World Order" or global government .
: The group was short-lived. In the mid-1780s, the Bavarian government banned all secret societies, designating the Illuminati as an illegal branch of Freemasonry . By 1787, the organization was effectively dismantled under threat of severe punishment . Modern Conspiracy Theories
: Founded by a professor of religious law, the group aimed to promote Enlightenment ideals , such as reason, philanthropy, and secularism, while countering the influence of religious and political authority .