History of Iceland
The history of Iceland spans more than one thousand years
and has been shaped by a harsh natural environment, powerful natural
forces and a resilient nation that has preserved its language and
cultural identity from the age of settlement to modern times.
The Settlement of Iceland
According to the medieval Book of Settlements,
the Settlement of Iceland began around the year
874 when Ingólfur Arnarson
established his farm in present-day
Reykjavík.
Most settlers came from Norway, while others arrived from the British Isles,
many fleeing the rule of King Harald Fairhair.
Within a few decades Iceland became fully settled.
The early society was based on independent farmers, family clans
and local assemblies, forming one of Europe’s most unique political systems.
The Icelandic Commonwealth (930–1262)
In the year 930, the Althing was founded at
Þingvellir,
making it one of the world’s oldest surviving parliaments.
Here laws were proclaimed, disputes settled and national identity formed.
This era, known as the
Icelandic Commonwealth,
was a cultural golden age.
During this time the famous
Icelandic sagas
were written, today considered masterpieces of medieval European literature.
The Age of the Sturlungs
In the 13th century Iceland was torn by internal power struggles during the
Age of the Sturlungs.
These conflicts weakened the country and eventually led Iceland to submit
to the Norwegian crown through the
Old Covenant in 1262.
Norwegian and Danish Rule
Following the union of Norway and Denmark, Iceland came under Danish control.
For centuries the population endured harsh living conditions,
trade monopolies and frequent natural disasters.
The catastrophic eruption of
Laki in 1783 caused famine and widespread death,
leaving a deep mark on Icelandic society and history.
The Independence Movement
During the 19th century a strong
independence movement
emerged, led by figures such as
Jónas Hallgrímsson
and Jón Sigurðsson.
The Althing was re-established in 1845, and Iceland received its first
constitution in 1874.
In 1918 Iceland became a sovereign state in personal union with Denmark.
The Republic of Iceland
On June 17, 1944, the
Republic of Iceland
was formally established at Þingvellir.
The nation soon entered a period of rapid modernization,
transforming from a poor farming society into a modern welfare state.
Modern Iceland
In the 20th and 21st centuries Iceland experienced major historical events,
including the
Cod Wars,
the expansion of democratic institutions,
the financial crisis of 2008 and the rise of tourism as a key industry.
Today Iceland stands as a modern Nordic nation whose identity is deeply rooted
in its history, literature and enduring relationship with nature.