Secret societies like the Illuminati and the Freemasons have long intrigued history lovers with their complex rituals, influential members, and hidden agendas. While some of these groups have become quite prominent in today’s culture, other secret societies have managed to keep a lower profile over the years. Below are six secret societies you might not have known existed.
6. The Black Hand
Starting our list of secret societies is the Black Hand, also known as “Unity or Death.” Founded in 1911, the secret military society was dedicated to unifying all South Slavic territories under Serbian rule through revolutionary tactics. The group was led by Colonel Dragutin Dimitrijević, recruiting members of the Serbian military and intelligence services. Their most memorable act was on June 28, 1914, when Black Hand operative Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Spain, leading to World War I.
5. The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland
Fifth on our list of secret societies is the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, more commonly referred to as the Orange Order. Founded in 1795, the name comes from William of Orange, a Protestant prince who later ruled Britain with his wife. The Order was created to protect Protestants after the Battle of the Diamond, as Protestants were outnumbered by Catholics in Ireland. The Grand Orange Lodge is still active today and has clubs around the world. Members must be adult men who accept the principles of the Protestant Reformation.
4. The Bilderberg Group
Next on our list of secret societies is the Bilderberg Group. Founded in 1954, the more modern secret society brings together 150 of the world’s most influential political leaders, business executives, and academic figures for annual private conferences. Named after the Hotel de Bilderberg, the group aims to foster dialogue between European and North American elites during the Cold War era. The group’s secrecy and participant influence have made it a focal point for conspiracy theories about global manipulation.
3. Order of Nine Angles (ONA)
Rounding out the top three secret societies on our list is the Order of Nine Angles. Founded in the late 1960s, the group is one of the most dangerous and controversial in the modern era. The Order of Nine Angles combines elements of Satanism, occultism, and neo-Nazi ideology into a violent belief system. Unlike groups that aim to help others, the ONA promotes “Sinister Dialectic,” which encourages members to commit crimes and work towards the end of society.
2. The Odd Fellows
Second on our list of secret societies is the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also known as The Odd Fellows. The group, first documented in 1730, originated as a fraternal organization dedicated to personal development through charitable acts and aid among members. The name reflects the members’ commitment to helping others in “odd” or unconventional ways. With its first American lodge created in 1819, the society quickly became one of the largest fraternal orders in the U.S.
1. The Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World
Last but not least on our list of secret societies is the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World. Founded in 1868, the goal of the group is to serve those in need after the two founding members were denied access to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World. The group quickly became a focal point of the United States’ black community, especially during segregation. Today, the Order continues to sponsor many community and student-led activities around the world.
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