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The Vikings in Iceland
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Vikings from Norway began to settle in Iceland in the 870s. The first settlers were led by chiefs who wanted more land or hoped to escape the growing power of the king in Norway. Except for a few Irish monks, who soon left, no one lived in Iceland before the Vikings. They created a new nation, which has lasted to the present. Unlike any other country, Viking Iceland was a kind of republic. There was no king. Laws were passed by a national assembly, the Althing - sometimes called the world's first parliament - which met at Thingvellir. It had an elected president. He had to know all the laws by heart, as they were not written down until 1119. The Althing was also a place for exchanging news and goods.
(A) THINGVELLIR
The 'Law Speaker,' who was an elected judge, addressed fellow chiefs from the Law Rock, part of some lava cliffs formed long ago after a volcanic eruption.
(B) LOCAL CHIEFS
The law and government was the business of local chiefs. Disputes were solved - usually - by discussion and a vote.
(C) BENCHES
Men attending a thing, or local assembly, sat in a circle on temporary benches, made by placing boards on stone supports.
(D) ALTHING CHIEFS
If fierce arguments seemed likely, the chiefs at the Althing left their weapons stacked well away from the meeting.
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Previous:
Back
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Book:
The Vikings
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Section:
The Vikings
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Chapter:
The Vikings in Iceland
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