Abstract
The chapter describes the constitution and development of the court of Rudolf II. (1552-1612), whose residence was from 1583 Prague. The Emperor did not change the structure or organization of his court, but encouraged the recruitment of new members.
The result of this strategy was the court, which at the end of its reign (1612) had almost 1,100 people. The newly admitted included mainly courtiers who represented their ruler or satisfied his personal needs and hobbies.
The cultural and social life at the court, as well as the affairs that accompanied the emperor and his immediate surroundings, came to the public's awareness.