"The Illuminati" (Secret Society/Conspiracy Theory)

About
The Illuminati were a secret society that existed in the 18th century as supporters of wisdom and virtue. The society was formed by Adam Weishaupt in Bavaria, Germany, and lasted until its destruction with the King of Bavaria's ban on secret societies. In modern times, though there is not much evidence connecting the society's name to any negative accusations, conspiracy theorists contest that the society survived and influences the world as part of a negatively perceived plot. It is rumored that the group boasts some of the most powerful members of society. Also, according to rumor, the Illuminati control the majority of the world's economy and have influences in every major government. The supposed aim of the Illuminati is unclear, although it is commonly linked to The New World Order conspiracy theory. Conspiracy theorists also connect this secret society and other esoteric/occult matters to Freemasonry, commonly citing masonic imagery and text. Also commonly associated with the society is the Eye of Providence symbol (a pyramid with an eye on top that was commonly used to symbolize the eye of God and the Holy Trinity, in Ancient Egypt, and in modern Freemasonry), though there is no evidence connecting the society and this symbol directly.