In 1782, the Illuminati was said to have three hundred members, including the famous composer, Mozart. Their members were mainly Masons and former Masons. The Illuminati ranks were divided into three groups. The first was “Nursery,” and there were different degrees to the rank. The Nursery included Preparation, Novice, Minerval, and Illuminatus Minor. The second degree was known as “Masonry.” Its sub-degrees included

Illuminatus Major and Illuminatus Dirgens. The third and final degree was known as “Mysteries,” Its sub-degrees included Lesser Mysteries and Greater Mysteries. In 1784, a very high ranking member of the brotherhood went public and made known facts about the group. The Bavarian government and the Catholic Church quickly outlawed the Illuminati, as well as many other societies including the Masons. The Illuminati disbanded and Weishaupt fled. However, many influential members still considered themselves part of the brotherhood, and the Illuminati were rumored to still exist.