Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor
Despite political decline Bruntál's economy flourished under the reigns of the Lords of Vrbno and Bruntál. The Market town status of Bruntál was strengthened by the emergence of new guilds, together with entitlements granted by Ferdinand II, Archduke of Austria in 1535 and 1558, and by Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor in 1577 to host several markets each year.