The Illuminati were founded on May 1, 1776, in the Electorate of Bavaria, a region of modern-day Germany.
The organization was created by Adam Weishaupt, a professor of canon law at the University of Ingolstadt.
At the time, Europe was dominated by:
• Absolute monarchies Strong religious control Limited access to education
• The Enlightenment was spreading new ideas: reason, science, freedom of thought.
Purpose of the Order
The Bavarian Illuminati aimed to:
Oppose superstition and religious dominance Promote rational thinking and moral improvement Encourage education among its members Reduce abuse of power by institutions. Contrary to modern belief, the Illuminati were not seeking world domination.
They were an intellectual reform movement.
Structure and Membership
The order operate in secrecy to protect its members from persecution.
Membership included:
• Academics Lawyers Intellectual elites and soo many persons all over the world.
The structure was inspired by:
• Freemasonry Classical philosophical schools
• Suppression and Dissolution