leidang
Leidang was a medieval maritime levy system used primarily in the Scandinavian kingdoms of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The term is derived from the Old Norse *leiðangr*, meaning "ship assembly" or "naval levy." It was a form of compulsory military service where coastal inhabitants were required to provide ships, crews, and supplies for naval expeditions and defense of the realm. The levy was typically organised on a regional basis, with local chieftains or landholders responsible for recruiting volunteers and gathering resources.
The leidang system played a crucial role in the early Icelandic Commonwealth and the Norwegian kingdom, allowing
Over time, the leidang evolved from an informal obligation into a more regulated and formal institution. By
Today, leidang is studied as an example of early naval conscription and a key element of Scandinavian