arsfjórðung

Arsfjórðung is an Icelandic term that translates to "year quarter" and refers to a historical administrative division of Iceland. These divisions were used in Iceland before the modern system of counties and municipalities was fully established. The island was traditionally divided into four such quarters, hence the name. The specific boundaries and functions of these arsfjórðungar evolved over time, but they generally served as the primary regional divisions for legal, administrative, and sometimes even military purposes. Each arsfjórðung would have had its own Thing, or assembly, where local matters were discussed and resolved. The concept of arsfjórðungar is closely linked to the early settlement and political organization of Iceland. While the term is not in common use for modern administrative purposes, it remains a significant part of understanding Iceland's historical geography and governance structures. It reflects a period when Iceland was organized into larger, more broadly defined regions prior to the development of more granular local government.