arsfjórðungur

An arsfjórðungur is a historical administrative division of Iceland. The term translates to "year quarter" or "quarter of the year." Historically, Iceland was divided into four such arsfjórðungar, which were roughly equivalent to regions or districts. These divisions were not static and their exact boundaries and significance evolved over time, particularly before the establishment of more formal counties and syslur (sheriffdoms).

The arsfjórðungur system was a way of organizing the country for various purposes, including legal proceedings, taxation, and defense. Each arsfjórðungur would have had its own assembly and leadership. While the term is now largely archaic, it reflects an early organizational structure of Icelandic society. The concept suggests a division of the land based on practical considerations for governance and community life in a sparsely populated island nation. Modern administrative divisions in Iceland are quite different, but the arsfjórðungur provides insight into the country's historical organization and territorial understanding.