Today's conspiracy theorists see the Illuminati as diabolical and controlling, warning that the organization has infiltrated governments across the planet.
From TIME Secret Societies: Inside History's Most Mysterious Organizations
The Illuminati, Latin for "Enlightened Ones," was founded in the southern German state of Bavaria on May 1, 1776, by religious law professor Adam. Weishaupt. Dissatisfied with the workings of government, the 20-year-old educator believed that through illumination, or enlightenment, society would become more orderly with improved efficiency. To achieve his lofty goals, Weishaupt set out to form a group based on rational thought and scientific research. He intentionally incorporated mysticism into his plans to make his group seem more appealing and mysterious to prospective members than other progressive political organizations. Weishaupt studiously drew up plans for his organization, which was loosely based on the Freemasons' rank-and-file classes and orders. He would closely oversee the training of new members and in time would reveal to them special occult knowledge as they advanced through the ranks of the Illuminati. His first recruits were four law students. Each of the five men adopted an alias; Weishaupt chose the name Spartacus.
At first, the Illuminati grew slowly; by 1779 there were only 54 members. The order had little if any effect on the German government. The group's fortunes improved, however, when Weishaupt recruited Baron Adolph Freiherr von Knigge. The baron was a highly respected diplomat and a Master Mason occultist with connections to numerous secret societies. Weishaupt tasked von Knigge, who took the name Philo, to use his influence to attract new members, which he did with alarming success. Von Knigge recruited leading Freemasons, royalty and powerful politicians into the group, including Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick, a towering figure in European Freemasonry, and the writer and statesman Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. By 1784, membership had swelled to more than 3,000 believers, with lodges in Germany, Switzerland, Austria,, Italy and other locations. Weishaupt turned out to be quite the control freak. He made prospective members undergo secret rites, wear outlandish costumes and participate in purportedly outrageous ceremonies. He permitted himself to be seen only by the highest-ranking members of the group, further adding to his air of mystery. His bizarre methodology, however, worked: the organization gained power in German political life, and from behind the scenes its members planned the overthrow of the Catholic Church and the establishment of a democratic republicanism to replace the monarchic state.
At first, the Illuminati grew slowly; by 1779 there were only 54 members. The order had little if any effect on the German government. The group's fortunes improved, however, when Weishaupt recruited Baron Adolph Freiherr von Knigge. The baron was a highly respected diplomat and a Master Mason occultist with connections to numerous secret societies. Weishaupt tasked von Knigge, who took the name Philo, to use his influence to attract new members, which he did with alarming success. Von Knigge recruited leading Freemasons, royalty and powerful politicians into the group, including Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick, a towering figure in European Freemasonry, and the writer and statesman Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. By 1784, membership had swelled to more than 3,000 believers, with lodges in Germany, Switzerland, Austria,, Italy and other locations. Weishaupt turned out to be quite the control freak. He made prospective members undergo secret rites, wear outlandish costumes and participate in purportedly outrageous ceremonies. He permitted himself to be seen only by the highest-ranking members of the group, further adding to his air of mystery. His bizarre methodology, however, worked: the organization gained power in German political life, and from behind the scenes its members planned the overthrow of the Catholic Church and the establishment of a democratic republicanism to replace the monarchic state.
Just as success seemed within reach, Weishaupt and von Knigge had a serious falling-out over Weishaupt's overbearing style of control and management. Knigge left the group in 1784, the same year rumblings about covert plots by the Illuminati against church and state began to brew in Bavaria. To worsen matters, disillusioned former members who were not provided with the higher special occult knowledge Weishaupt had promised them began to speak out publicly against the group.
In June 1784, Karl Theodor, the Prince-Elector and Duke of Bavaria, outlawed all secret societies in his domains. The following year, the duke issued an edict banning the Illuminati specifically. An investigation was launched to eradicate Illuminati influence in the government, church and military. Weishaupt bolted for the neighboring province of Saxony, hoping the furor would pass. The hubbub did not pass, and by 1787 the government had completely shut down the Illuminati.
From TIME Secret Societies: Inside History's Most Mysterious Organizations
Weishaupt faded into the dustbin of history. Some historians claim his ideas regarding political and religious reform in Europe found their consummation in the French Revolution of 1789 and beyond, notably the de-Christianization of France.
The Illuminati Hierarchy
Adam Weishaupt's model for his new order designated three basic grades—Noviciate, Minerval and Illuminated Minerval—a hierarchy denoting increasing knowledge of alleged mysticism. In January 1782, Baron von Knigge, with Weishaupt's blessing, rewrote the system into three expanded classes:
■ Class I — the so-called "nursery," consisting of Noviciate, Minerval and Illuminatus Minor
■ Class II — the Masonic grades: the "blue lodge" grades of Apprentice, Companion and Master, separated from the higher "Scottish" grades of Scottish Novice and Scottish Knight
■ Class III — the Mysteries, consisting of Priest and Prince, followed by the greater mysteries of Mage and King
From TIME Secret Societies: Inside History's Most Mysterious Organizations
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