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 comital title of Graf was second in prestige among the Austrian nobility, alongside the princes; this inner circle, called the 100 Familien (100 families), possessed substantial wealth and territories. They also wielded considerable influence at court and thus played a vital role in politics and diplomacy.