Illuminati is said to be a secret group of leaders that control world affairs, working to establish a single global government. Its members are said to come from such areas as politics, media, and entertainment. The Illuminati features in many conspiracy theories . A conspiracy theory is an attempt to explain various world events in terms of secret influence or control by certain groups.
In 1776, the German professor Adam Weishaupt formed the Order of the Illuminati, also known as the Bavarian Illuminati. The group began as a secret society of five members. They opposed the power of the Roman Catholic Church , particularly in matters of science and philosophy. The group sought to enlighten people and free them from the Church and its restrictions. The Order of the Illuminati grew to include thousands of members. As the group expanded, it grew increasingly difficult to stay secret. Karl Theodor became the leader of Bavaria in 1777. In 1784, he outlawed all secret societies. Scholars think the Order of the Illuminati disbanded.
Conspiracy theorists believe that the order continues to this day. They argue that powerful people are using their influence to form a totalitarian one-world government. These powerful people are said to include many celebrities. Conspiracy theorists have alleged that the Illuminati was involved in, orchestrated, or faked major world events, including the French Revolution , the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy , and the moon landing . No hard evidence has been produced to support these claims.
Books and movies have popularized belief in the Illuminati. These sources associate the group with occult symbols, including the pyramid and the Eye of Horus.
