The Bavarian Illuminati was a secret society founded in 1776 in Bavaria, Germany, by Adam Weishaupt. Its goal was to promote Enlightenment ideals, such as reason and secularism, while opposing religious and political oppression. The group aimed to influence political decisions and educate its members about rational thought and ethics. Despite its noble intentions, the Bavarian Illuminati became the subject of conspiracy theories. Many believed it sought to control world events from behind the scenes. This perception has led to a lasting fascination with the Illuminati, often linking it to various conspiracy theories and popular culture, despite its relatively short existence.