1. Founded in Bavaria in 1776 as an Elightenment order. Ironically they opposed superstition and the abuse of state power
2. The order started with a masonic lodge structure and just 5 members. They were originally going to be called the Perfectibilists.
3. The founder of the Illuminati was Johann Adam Weishaupt. A doctor of Law at 20 and professor at 24, his Illuminati moniker was 'Brother Spartacus.
4. The Illuminati spanned nearly every country in Europe. During the 10 years of its official existence it had 2000 members from the social elite.
5. The group was mostly composed of intellectuals. Members included the Prince of Salzburg and Gottfried van Swieten, patron of Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn.
6. The Illuminati disbanded in 1783 following an edict banning all secret societies in Bavaria. Weishaupt fled the country.
7. The symbol of the Illuminati was the Owl of Minerva not the All-Seeing Eye. The Owl is said to represent wisdom and the ability to see in the dark.
8. In 1797 and 1798 two books were published claiming the Illuminati still existed. The books blamed them for the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror.
9. At the turn of the 19th Century, Illuminati conspiracy theories became popular in America. Sermons were given and printed, denouncing the group.
10. Several organizations exist today that claim to be a continuation of the original Illuminati. You can apply to join them with a simple email.
