konungsríkjum

Konungsríkjum is an Icelandic term that translates to "kingdom." It refers to the period in Iceland's history when the country was under the rule of a king. This era began with the establishment of the Althing in 930, which was a parliamentary assembly where the king was elected by the goðar, or chieftains, of the country. The first king to be elected in this manner was Hákon Sigurðarson, who was chosen in 961.

The konungsríkjum period lasted until 1262, when Iceland came under the rule of the Norwegian crown. During this time, the kings of Iceland held significant power and influence, shaping the country's laws, customs, and political structure. The Althing continued to function as a legislative body, although its powers were gradually reduced over time.

The konungsríkjum era is an important part of Iceland's history, as it marked the transition from a society based on chieftainship to one with a more centralized government. The kings of this period played a crucial role in maintaining peace and order in Iceland, as well as in forging alliances with other European powers. Despite the eventual loss of independence, the konungsríkjum period left a lasting legacy on Iceland's political and cultural development.