The
Illuminati (plural of
Latin illuminatus, "enlightened") is a name given to several groups, both historical and modern, and
both real and fictitious. Historically, the name refers specifically to the
Bavarian Illuminati, an
Enlightenment-era
secret society founded on May 1, 1776.
In modern times it is also used to refer 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, the
Illuminati are believed to be the masterminds behind events that will lead to the establishment of a
New World Order.