The Illuminati: A Historical and Conspiracy Theory Overview (Google Gemini Search) Introduction The Illuminati was a real secret society founded on May 1, 1776, in Bavaria, Germany (today part of Ingolstadt). Its founder, Adam Weishaupt, was a law professor influenced by Enlightenment ideals. The Illuminati aimed to improve society through reason and science, and it quickly gained influence across Europe. History The Illuminati structured itself into seven levels, each with increasing secrecy and knowledge. New members, initially called novices, received teachings on ethics and philosophy. As they progressed, they were initiated into higher levels and entrusted with more about the Illuminati's goals and purposes. The Illuminati emphasized secrecy, requiring members to keep their affiliation hidden. This secrecy shrouded the group in mystery and suspicion, contributing to the rise of conspiracy theories surrounding the Illuminati. In 1785, the Bavarian government outlawed the Illumi...