Secret Societies and Cults

What is a Secret Society?

Inlfuential political players? Underground religious orders? Or just a load of make-believe? Let's find out...

Elite and Collegiate Secret Societies

Collegiate secret societies have long existed, and members have gone on to hold positions of power and even run countries.

Freemasons and the Illuminati

Freemasons have featured in movies, books, and numerous conspiracy theories. Let’s dive deeper into the ideas behind this historical order and how it inspired another secret society, the Illuminati.

The Knights Templar

Warriors, bankers, religious zealots: these are all words used to describe the Knights Templar.

Religious Cults

Religious cults have views that differ from larger, accepted religions and beliefs that outsiders consider dangerous or extreme. Let's learn about some religious cults and their ideologies.

Chinese Triads

The Chinese Triad has been in operation since the 17th Century and has spread to become a transnational network of secretive cells.

What is a Cult?

From mass suicides to child brides, cults have shocked and horrified those outside the fanatical groups. So let's learn more about cults, what they are, how they work, and the damage they can do.

The Knights of Pythias

Based on a story of good friends, the Knights of Pythias believe friendship can change the world.

Ku Klux Klan

Arguably one of America's most infamous secret societies, the Ku Klux Klan, has a violent and extremist history. Let's look at the three iterations of this hate organization as it changed and evolved.

Destructive Cults

Destructive cults are based on authoritative control and fanatical ideology and often have religious and apocalyptic messaging.

Rosicrucians

The origins of this secret society are murky, with many believing it never really existed. Let's learn more about the Rosicrucians and their esoteric wisdom.