The Austrian comital title (Graf) was the second most prestigious title of the Austrian nobility, forming the higher nobility (hoher Adel) alongside the princes (Furst); this close inner circle, called the 100 Familien (100 families), possessed enormous riches and lands. They also had great influence at the court and thus played an important role in politics and diplomacy.
The Austrian comital title (Graf) was the second most prestigious rank among the Austrian nobility, forming the upper nobility (hoher Adel) alongside the princes (Furst); this close inner circle, called the 100 Familien (100 families), possessed immense wealth and territories. They also had significant influence at court and thus played a crucial role in politics and diplomacy.