Secret Societies: the truth behind the world’s most powerful institutions

The secret world of the initiate

Before the apprentice mason can begin his journey into the secret world of the Order, he must sit alone in a room and think about what lies ahead. For inspiration, he sees the acronym ‘V.I.T.R.I.O.L.’ on the wall, the ancient alchemist's command to search for the inner essence of things. On the table is a skull and a pair of femur bones. They symbolise that the ritual is a kind of death, after which the apprentice is resurrected as an initiate. The stay in the room is just one of many Masonic rituals, most of which are unknown to the uninitiated.

Throughout history, people have always gathered in exclusive groups for occult, religious, economic or political purposes. Common to these closed societies are often bizarre rituals and strict rules, not least about silence. No one outside must know what is going on. The secrecy gives the companies an inner strength but arouses suspicion from the outside world. What happens when the powerful men meet behind closed doors?

World History invites you on a fascinating journey to bygone eras, allowing you to explore the greatest events in history. Take a trip back in time - to the frontlines of World War 2, to the Viking raids, and to the religious rituals of ancient Egypt. World History is for everyone who would like to know more about the exciting and dramatic events of the past.