Adam Weishaupt A professor of canon law, Adam Weishaupt founded the Bavarian Illuminati in 1776. (more) Bavarian Illuminati Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bavarian-illuminati Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Written by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Updated: Oct. 3, 2025 Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Bavarian Illuminati, Enlightenment-era secret society founded in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt in the Electorate of Bavaria. One of several groups in the history of Europe to claim the name “illuminati” (Latin for “the enlightened ones”), they favored the overthrow of existing monarchical governments and the replacement of established religion with a cult of reason. Weishaupt was a professor of canon law at the University of Ingolstadt who had been educated by Jesuits, though he did not belong to the...

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