Illuminati
The legendary secret society founded in 1776, allegedly controlling world events from the shadows.
INVESTIGATION OVERVIEW
The Illuminati was a real secret society founded in Bavaria in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt. The group was suppressed by the Bavarian government within a decade. However, conspiracy theories claim the Illuminati survived and now controls world events, manipulating governments, finance, and media to establish a New World Order.
KEY CLAIMS
The Illuminati survived suppression and still exists
The group controls world governments and finance
They are working toward a New World Order
Symbols of the Illuminati are everywhere
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
The original Illuminati did exist
Weishaupt's writings describe their goals
Some symbols (eye of providence) appear in unexpected places
Powerful people have been linked to secret societies
COUNTER ARGUMENTS
The original Illuminati was small and short-lived
No credible evidence of modern survival
Conspiracy theories are modern fabrications
Coincidence and pattern-seeking explain 'symbols'
TIMELINE
Illuminati founded in Bavaria
Society suppressed by Bavarian government
Illuminati conspiracy theories emerge
KEY FIGURES
Adam Weishaupt
Founder of the Bavarian Illuminati
ORGANIZATIONS
Bavarian Illuminati
Secret Society
SOURCES
RELATED ENTITIES
PEOPLE
Adam Weishaupt
ORGANIZATIONS
Bavarian Illuminati
EVENTS
Illuminati founded in Bavaria
1776
Society suppressed by Bavarian government
1785
Illuminati conspiracy theories emerge
1797