This thesis deals with the history of the Cistercian monastery of Žďár nad Sázavou in the second half of the 17th century, specifically from 1676 till 1705. In 1676, after almost four decades since the Cistercian Order had regained control of the seigniory in Žďár and the convent had been re-established, the monks were allowed to elect their own Abbot. Benedikt Zaunmüller, the prior of the monastery of Vyšší Brod, was elected and remained Abbot of Žďár till 1691 when he was forced to resign on health grounds. He was succeeded by Edmund Bagner, the first of the Abbots of the re-established monastery who was elected from the members of the Žďár convent and remained in office till his death in 1705. The scope of this thesis corresponds with the terms of office of these two Abbots who significantly contributed to the improvement in the economic situation of the monastery and the expansion of the personnel of the convent in Žďár and who are indisputably among the significant personalities of the Žďár Abbey. The outset of the thesis provides an overview of the available archival sources and existing literature on the topic. The first chapter outlines the history of the Žďár monastery from its establishment in the middle of the 13th century. The second chapter captures the transformation of the...