This work deals with the Counts of Cilli. The Counts of Cilli exemplify a social phenomenon of the late Middle Ages, because in this time numerous aristocratic families of low origin rose up in the hierarchy. The Counts of Cilli fared similarly. in just a few generations they managed to rise from the lower nobility into the top league of the European aristocracy. At the height of their power, the Cilli were related to several kings. As great as their meaning was in their lifetime, they were

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... ected by historical research. There is hardly any work on this topic. If the Cillis are ever mentioned, a negative image is usually drawn. This work therefore attempts to provide an objective overview of the Counts of Cilli and to investigate the question of why research only sparsely treats the counts of Cilli.