The article categorically states that the Prior de Sion was a hoax orchestrated by Pierre Plantard. That's never been proved from what I've read. That supposition is as much a theory as the organization itself.

One has to merely look at the debunkers in this case who were clearly aligned with the church and had a vested interest in casting doubt on the society. The evidence against it can be used as much to prove its tactics of confusion and secrecy as to disprove its existence. A secret and influential society definitely existed during times in history that crossed paths with many great men. Whether it perpetuated to Plantard's present day claims is really immaterial. The book "Holy Blood, Holy Grail" actually does a great job of presenting both sides, even though in the end, they tend to support the side that fostered the book and movie.

Bottom line though is that the research is wildly entertaining and provides a great insight into the hearts and minds of men during the formative years of the Christian church.

Art