Þjóðveldisstjórn

Þjóðveldisstjórn, translating to "Commonwealth Government," refers to the period in Iceland from 930 to 1262-1264 when the country was governed collectively by chieftains and representatives without a central king. It was characterized by a proto-democratic assembly called the Althing, where free farmers and leaders gathered annually to make laws and resolve disputes. Power was decentralized, emphasizing shared governance among local leaders rather than a monarch. This system allowed for local autonomy and community participation but lacked a unified political authority, eventually leading Iceland to come under Norwegian influence in the late 13th century.