The (Latin for "enlightened") refers to both a verified historical secret society and a widely popularized modern conspiracy theory regarding an elite group seeking world domination . The Historical Order (1776–1785)
: Founded by a professor of religious law, the group aimed to promote Enlightenment ideals , such as reason, philanthropy, and secularism, while countering the influence of religious and political authority . what is the illuminati
: Contemporary theorists often claim the Illuminati survived and now consists of a shadowy cabal of international bankers, politicians, and media moguls working toward a "New World Order" or global government . The (Latin for "enlightened") refers to both a