Illuminati

The Illuminati is a name used for several historical groups, most notably the Bavarian Illuminati, a secret society founded in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt in Bavaria.

The Illuminati refers to a historical secret society from 18th-century Bavaria, but today it's mostly known as a label for unsubstantiated conspiracy theories about a hidden elite.

What it was

The best-known historical group was the Bavarian Illuminati, founded in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt. Its members called themselves Perfectibilists and aimed to promote Enlightenment ideals like reason and reform, opposing superstition and religious and political abuse. The group was suppressed by Bavarian authorities and faded from the historical record by around 1790.

Why it's often misunderstood

In later popular culture, 'the Illuminati' became shorthand for a supposed secret elite controlling world events. These claims lack evidence and are modern conspiracy theories, not connected to the original society. The term has also been used historically for other groups of 'enlightened' people, adding to the confusion.

What to know about the modern myth

Modern conspiracy narratives link the Illuminati to events like the French Revolution or JFK's assassination, but no substantiated evidence supports these claims. In Canada, the term appears mainly in internet discussions, pop culture, and entertainment, not as a real organization.