stýringa

Stýringa is a term used in Icelandic law and politics, particularly in the medieval period. It refers to a system of government and administration where a lord or chieftain, known as a stýringmaðr, exercises control over a certain area or population.

Under this system, the stýringa was responsible for upholding law and order, collecting taxes, and providing military defense for the community. The stýringa also had significant influence over the social and economic life of the community, including matters related to trade, agriculture, and marriage.

Stýringa was often inherited or obtained through marriage or conquest, and the holder of the position was expected to be of noble or aristocratic lineage. The stýringa was responsible for maintaining the balance of power within the community and for mediating disputes between individuals and groups.

The stýringa system was in place in Iceland from the 10th to the 13th centuries, during the country's medieval period. It was gradually phased out as the Icelandic Commonwealth system of government emerged, which was characterized by a more decentralized and egalitarian system of government.

Historical records suggest that the stýringa system was not uniform across all regions of Iceland, and different areas had varying levels of autonomy. Nonetheless, the stýringa played an important role in shaping Icelandic society and law during the medieval period.