Throughout history, the Illuminati have been linked to numerous other secret societies, often sparking rumors and conspiracy theories. Here, we will explore the Illuminati’s relationships with some of the most well-known secret societies.
Freemasonry
Perhaps the most well-known secret society, Freemasonry has often been linked to the Illuminati. This is due in part to the fact that Illuminati founder Adam Weishaupt was a former Freemason. However, the relationship between the two groups is complex.
While some argue that the Illuminati was simply an offshoot of Freemasonry, others suggest that the Illuminati aimed to infiltrate and control the Freemasons. In fact, the Bavarian government, which disbanded the Illuminati in the late 1700s, accused the group of trying to take over the Freemasons.
Despite these rumors, there is little evidence to suggest that the Illuminati had any significant impact on Freemasonry. Today, the two groups are largely considered separate entities.
Rosicrucianism
Rosicrucianism is another secret society that has been linked to the Illuminati. Like the Illuminati, Rosicrucians were interested in the esoteric and mystical aspects of knowledge.
While there is evidence to suggest that the Illuminati may have been influenced by Rosicrucianism, there is no concrete proof of a direct relationship between the two groups. However, some argue that the two societies may have shared members or been in communication with each other.
The Knights Templar
The Knights Templar was a medieval Christian military order that was disbanded in the 14th century. However, their legacy has lived on, and they have been linked to a number of secret societies, including the Illuminati.
Some conspiracy theorists argue that the Illuminati was a continuation of the Knights Templar and that the group was founded to protect the Templars’ secrets. While there is little evidence to support this claim, it has fueled many rumors and theories over the years.
Jesuits
The Jesuits were a Catholic religious order that was founded in the 16th century. The Illuminati had a contentious relationship with the Jesuits, as the two groups had very different ideologies. The Jesuits were staunchly opposed to Enlightenment ideals, which the Illuminati embraced. Some members of the Illuminati saw the Jesuits as a threat to their mission, and they actively worked to undermine the power of the Catholic Church.
Bavarian government
The Illuminati’s relationship with the Bavarian government was complicated. The group’s founder, Adam Weishaupt, was a professor of law at the University of Ingolstadt in Bavaria. He used his position to recruit students and other intellectuals into the Illuminati. However, the Bavarian government saw the Illuminati as a threat to their power and influence, and they actively worked to shut down the group. In 1785, the Bavarian government officially banned the Illuminati and ordered the arrest of its members.
The Bilderberg Group
The Bilderberg Group is a real-life secret society that was founded in 1954. It is made up of around 130 of the world’s most powerful people, including politicians, business leaders, and academics.
While the group’s meetings are shrouded in secrecy, conspiracy theorists have suggested that the Bilderberg Group is actually a front for the Illuminati. Some have even claimed that the group is responsible for controlling world events and manipulating governments.
However, there is little evidence to support these claims, and most experts view the Bilderberg Group as a legitimate forum for discussion and debate among influential people.
The Illuminati’s relationship with other secret societies is a complex and often murky one. While there may be some truth to the rumors and conspiracy theories surrounding these groups, it is important to separate fact from fiction.
At the end of the day, the Illuminati remains one of the most intriguing secret societies in history, and its legacy continues to captivate people around the world.
External Links
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- “The Illuminati: What Is It?” by History.com: https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/illuminati
- “The Illuminati: Symbols, Signs, Meanings & History Revealed” by The Illuminati Official Website: https://illuminatiofficial.org/
- “The Bilderberg Group: What They Don’t Want You to Know” by The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/09/bilderberg-secretive-conference-banks-mining
- “The Knights Templar: History and Legacy” by National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/magazine/2018/03-04/kn