What Is the Illuminati?
The Illuminati is a name most often linked to secret societies that claim hidden influence over world events. In mainstream history, it usually refers to the Bavarian Illuminati, a real group founded in 1776.
Origins and Goals
The Bavarian Illuminati was created by Adam Weishaupt, a professor of canon law, in Bavaria, which is now part of Germany. The group promoted Enlightenment ideas such as reason, secularism, and opposition to superstition and religious influence over public life.
Legacy and Modern Culture
The Bavarian Illuminati was dissolved in the early 1800s, yet the name has endured in conspiracy theories and popular culture. Many people use "Illuminati" as a shorthand for any alleged secret elite controlling governments, finance, or media. For a detailed historical account, see the Britannica entry on the Illuminati.
