The <strong>Illuminati</strong> (<em>plural of Latin
illuminatus, "enlightened"</em>) is a name given to several
groups, both historical and modern, and both real and
fictitious. Historically, the name refers specifically to the
Bavarian Illuminati, an Enlightenment-era secret society founded
on May 1, 1776. 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, the Illuminati are believed to be the
masterminds behind events that will lead to the establishment of
a New World Order. 2 Barruel and Robison 3 New England
Illuminati scare 4 Modern Illuminati 5 Popular culture 8
External links The movement was founded on May 1, 1776, in
Ingolstadt (Upper Bavaria) as the Order of the Illuminati, with
an initial membership of five, by Jesuit-taught Adam Weishaupt