Commonwealth Period

Definition

The Commonwealth Period in medieval Iceland refers to the time from around 930 to 1262, when Iceland operated as a decentralized society governed by a unique system of chieftaincies and the Alþingi, the world's oldest parliament. During this period, Iceland developed its own cultural identity, legal systems, and societal norms, without a central monarch, which shaped its rich literary traditions, especially the sagas and epics that emerged later.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Commonwealth Period marked the establishment of a unique political system in Iceland, characterized by a lack of centralized monarchy and reliance on local chieftains.
2. During this time, the Alþingi served not only as a legislative body but also as a social gathering where laws were proclaimed and disputes were settled.
3. Icelanders developed a distinct legal framework that allowed for self-governance, emphasizing consensus and negotiation among chieftains.
4. The period saw significant literary output, with the writing of sagas that reflected Icelandic culture, history, and values.
5. Internal conflicts among chieftains eventually led to weakened governance, paving the way for the eventual submission of Iceland to Norwegian rule in 1262.

Review Questions

• How did the decentralized structure of governance during the Commonwealth Period influence the development of Icelandic society?
  • The decentralized structure during the Commonwealth Period allowed local chieftains to exercise power within their regions, fostering a sense of independence among communities. This setup encouraged negotiation and consensus-building instead of centralized authority, which resulted in diverse local customs and practices. The prominence of the Alþingi further reinforced community involvement in governance, contributing to a unique cultural identity that distinguished Iceland from other nations.
• Discuss the role of the Alþingi in shaping Icelandic law and society during the Commonwealth Period.
  • The Alþingi played a pivotal role in shaping Icelandic law and society by serving as the country's primary legislative assembly. It provided a forum for chieftains to discuss laws, resolve disputes, and maintain social order. The decisions made at the Alþingi influenced everyday life and created a shared legal framework that unified the diverse regions of Iceland. This assembly was essential not only for governance but also for fostering a communal identity among Icelanders.
• Evaluate how internal conflicts among chieftains during the Commonwealth Period contributed to Iceland's political transition to Norwegian rule.
  • Internal conflicts among chieftains during the Commonwealth Period weakened Iceland's decentralized governance structure. As rival factions vied for power, instability increased, leading to a breakdown in cooperative decision-making at the Alþingi. This disunity made it difficult to effectively manage resources and defend against external threats. Eventually, these conflicts facilitated negotiations with Norway that resulted in Iceland submitting to Norwegian rule in 1262, marking the end of its unique self-governing era.

Related terms

Alþingi: The Alþingi was the national assembly of Iceland, established in 930, where chieftains gathered annually to create laws and settle disputes.

Goði: A goði was a chieftain in Iceland during the Commonwealth Period who held both political and religious authority within their respective districts.

Landnámsmenn: Landnámsmenn were the first settlers of Iceland in the late 9th century, whose arrival set the stage for the establishment of the Commonwealth Period and its societal structures.