Illuminati is a name that refers to several groups, both real and fictitious. Historically,
it refers specifically to the Bavarian Illuminati, an Enlightenment era secret society
founded in the late eighteenth century. 

However, in modern times it refers 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, Illuminati is often used in reference to a New World Order (NWO).
Many conspiracy theorists believe the Illuminati, or the "Illuminated ones", are the
masterminds behind events that will lead to the establishment of such a
New World Order.

Confusing the issue further is the fact that there are also several modern fraternal
groups which include the word "Illuminati" in their names. 

In rarer cases, the Illuminati refers to an elite set of enlightened individuals who may
not cooperate but are uniquely empowered by their enlightenment, much like the
intelligentsia classes of today are empowered by their education and intelligence. 

These are people who have become illuminated and have achieved a higher mystical
understanding of the universe. Many secret societies and mystical traditions are
concerned with this kind of illumination or enlightenment, such as the Rosicrucian
Societies,  the Martinists and the original Bavarian Illuminati.

History

This movement was founded on May 1, 1776, in Ingolstadt (Upper Bavaria), by Jesuit-taught
Adam Weishaupt (d. 1830), who was the first lay professor of canon law at the University
of Ingolstadt. The movement was made up of freethinkers, as an offshoot of the Enlightenment,
which some believe was a conspiracy to infiltrate and overthrow the governments of many
European states. The group's adherents were given the name Illuminati, although they called
themselves "Perfectibilists". The group has also been called the Illuminati Order, and the
Bavarian Illuminati, and the movement itself has been referred to as Illuminism. In 1777,
Karl Theodor, Elector Palatine, succeeded as ruler of Bavaria. He was a proponent of
Enlightened Despotism and in 1784, his government banned all secret societies, including the
Illuminati.

While it was not legally allowed to operate, many influential intellectuals and progressive
politicians counted themselves as members, including Ferdinand of Brunswick and the diplomat
Xavier von Zwack. Xavier von Zwack was also the number two man in the operation and was
caught with many of the groups documentations when his home was searched. The Illuminati's
members pledged obedience to their superiors, and were divided into three main classes:
the first, known as the Nursery, encompassed the ascending degrees or offices of
Preparation, Novice, Minerval and Illuminatus Minor. The second, known as the Masonry, consists
of the ascending degrees of Illuminatus Major and Illuminatus dirigens. It was also sometimes called
Scotch Knight. The third, designated the Mysteries, was subdivided into the degrees of the Lesser
Mysteries (Presbyter and Regent) and those of the Greater Mysteries (Magus and Rex).