Adam Weishaupt was a German Jesuit priest who played a major role in the formation of the Illuminati. He joined the order at age 12 and obtained his doctorate from Wurzburg University in 1763. In 1776, he was appointed professor of mathematics at Ingolstadt, home of the Bavarian Illuminati. In 1785, he became a professor of philosophy at the University of Ingolstadt and a member of its governing council
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In 1787, he was asked to head the Bavarian Illuminati, but refused. By this time, Weishaupt had become a Freemason and had been initiated into Rosicrucianism. When his mentor, Adam Weishaupt (the founder of the Illuminati), died in 1787, Adam assumed leadership of the Order.
The Bavarian branch continued under his direction until it was suppressed by Napoleon Bonaparte's armies at the end of 1800.