Icelandic Commonwealth

The Icelandic Commonwealth refers to the state existing in Iceland between the establishment of the Althing in 930 and the pledge of fealty to the Norwegian king in 1262. It was initially established by a public consisting largely of recent emigrants from Norway who had fled the unification of that country under King Harald Fairhair.

Decline and fall

In the early 13th century, the Commonwealth began to suffer from serious internal strife. Due to discontent with domestic hostilities and pressure from the rulers of Norway, the Icelandic chieftains in 1262 decided to acknowledge Norway's Haakon IV as king. This ended the Commonwealth.

Related Topics:
13th century - Norway - 1262 - Haakon IV

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