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"Illuminata" redirects here. For the 1998 John Turturro film, see Illuminata (film). For other uses, see Illuminati (disambiguation).

Illuminati (plural of Latin illuminatus, "enlightened") is a name that refers to several groups, both historical and modern, and both real and fictitious. Historically, it refers specifically to the (Bavarian) Illuminati, an Enlightenment-era secret society founded on May 1st, 1776, which was dedicated to the systematic and stealthy conquest of nations, one by one, and ultimately the entire world.^[1]In modern times it is also used to refer to a purported conspiratorial organization which acts as a shadowy power behind the throne, allegedly controlling world affairs through present day governments and corporations, usually as a modern incarnation or continuation of the Bavarian Illuminati. In this context, Illuminati is often used in reference to a New World Order (NWO). Many conspiracy theorists believe the Illuminati are the masterminds behind events that will lead to the establishment of such a New World Order. Confusing the issue further is the fact that there are also several modern fraternal groups which include the word "Illuminati" in their names.

In more rare cases, the Illuminati might refer to a gnostic elite who do not cooperate completely with the Bavarian Illuminati's agenda of world domination, but like those who do, they focus upon the belief that they are uniquely empowered by their pseudo-Buddhist-like enlightenment, similar to the intelligentsia classes of today are empowered by their education and intelligence. These are people who consider themselves to have become illuminated and have achieved a far greater mystical understanding of the universe than the vast majority of the ignorant masses of the world. Many secret societies and mystical traditions are concerned with the attainment of this kind of illumination or enlightenment via occult practices, and with keeping its secrets to themselves and their initiates, such as the Rosicrucian Societies and Martinist Societies

.

The Bavarian Illuminati

This movement was founded on May 1, 1776, in Ingolstadt (Upper Bavaria), by Jesuit-taught Adam Weishaupt (d. 1830),^[3] who was the first lay professor of canon law at the University of Ingolstadt.^[4] The movement was made up of freethinkers, as an offshoot of the Enlightenment^[5], which some believe was a conspiracy to infiltrate and overthrow the governments of many European states^[6]. The group's adherents were given the name "Illuminati", although they called themselves "Perfectibilists". The group has also been called the Illuminati Order and the Bavarian Illuminati, and the movement itself has been referred to as Illuminism (after illuminism). In 1777, Karl Theodor, Elector Palatine, succeeded as ruler of Bavaria. He was a proponent of Enlightened Despotism and in 1784, his government banned all secret societies, including the Illuminati.

While it was not legally allowed to operate, many influential intellectuals and progressive politicians counted themselves as members, including Ferdinand of Brunswick and the diplomat Xavier von Zwack.^[7] Xavier von Zwack was also the number two man in the operation and was caught with much of the group's documentation when his home was searched. The Illuminati's members pledged obedience to their superiors, and were divided into three main classes, each with several degrees.^[8] The order had its branches in most countries of the European continent; it reportedly had around 2,000 members over the span of 10 years.^[9] The scheme had its attraction for literary men, such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Johann Gottfried Herder, and even for the reigning dukes of Gotha and Weimar. Internal rupture and panic over succession preceded its downfall, which was effected by The Secular Edict made by the Bavarian government in 1785.^{[citation needed]}

Modern Illuminati

Main article: New World Order (conspiracy theory)

Conspiracy theorists such as David Icke, Ryan Burke and Morgan Gricar, have argued that the Bavarian Illuminati survived, possibly to this day. Many of these theories propose that world events are being controlled and manipulated by a secret society calling itself the Illuminati.^[10] However, no evidence exists to show that Weishaupt's group survived into the 19th century.

In addition to the conspiracy theories, several modern groups have used the name Illuminati in founding their own rites. Some of these include the Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO) founded by Theodor Reuss and Aleister Crowley (England),^[11] Grand Lodge Rockefeller founded by David Goldman (USA), Orden Illuminati founded by Gabriel López de Rojas (Spain), The Illuminati Order^[12] and others.

In popular culture

Fiction

The Illuminati are central to the plots of many novels. Prominent examples include: The Illuminatus! Trilogy novels by Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson, Several Illuminati-based conspiracies are central to the plot of a series of entitled The Illuminatus! Trilogy, Dan Brown's novel Angels & Demons, The Fallen Angels by Susannah Kells & Bernard Cornwell, and The Illuminati by Larry Burkett.

The Illuminati have also featured in the plots of many comic book series. In Marvel comics a faction of the most influential heroes of the Marvel Universe formed a group called the Illuminati.^[13] In the DC universe, Vandal Savage is known to have served as the leader of Illuminati.

The Illuminati have also appeared in film and on TV. They are central to the plot of the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie, a film adaptation of the popular video game series by the same name. In the Disney animated television show Gargoyles, the Illuminati have existed for over 1,000 years, with a heavy hand in the world of organized crime. To hint at the scope of their power and influence, the character David Xanatos is referred to as a "lower echelon member."

The Illuminati also figure prominently in plot lines of many video games. Prominent examples include: Deus Ex, its sequel Thief 1, 2 and 3, Deus Ex: Invisible War, Area-51, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars or Sword of Baphomet, and Resident Evil 4.

Though removed now, the Illuminati has also appeared in background books for Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000 tabletop game. The Illuminati are described in the fictional encyclopedia "Sub Rosa", which is a supplement to the Swedish roleplaying game "Götterdämmerung". The description includes various elements of different Illuminati descriptions, but includes mostly fiction.^[14]