illuminati: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

The modern conspiracy theories surrounding the illuminati were first popularized by Robert Wilson and Kerry Thornley through fictional works and fake letters to magazines in the 1960s.
The group most closely associated with the name "illuminati" was formed in Bavaria in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt, who wanted an alternative to the Freemasons for intellectuals and influential figures.
The organization was banned in 1785, and during enforcement of the ban, authorities found documents that defended suicide and atheism, as well as instructions for abortions.