þjóðveldismenn

The term "þjóðveldismenn" refers to the inhabitants of Iceland during the Icelandic Commonwealth period, which lasted from 930 to 1262 CE. This era is characterized by a unique form of self-governance where Iceland lacked a central executive authority or a king. Instead, power was distributed among the free farmers and chieftains who participated in the Althing, Iceland's parliament.

þjóðveldismenn were primarily agrarian, relying on farming and animal husbandry for their livelihood. Society was structured around the concept of the "goði," a chieftain who held both political and religious authority within his district. These chieftains, along with other free landholders, convened annually at the Althing to make laws, settle disputes, and administer justice.

The legal system was based on a complex set of laws codified in the Grágás. Disputes were often resolved through negotiation, arbitration, or, in some cases, duels or blood feuds. The absence of a standing army or police force meant that enforcement of laws and protection were largely the responsibility of the individuals involved and their kinsmen.

Despite the lack of a strong central government, the þjóðveldi fostered a rich cultural and literary tradition, giving rise to the Icelandic sagas. The period ended with Iceland's submission to Norwegian rule, marking the transition to the Old Covenant period. The legacy of the þjóðveldismenn lies in their remarkable achievement of creating a functional, albeit decentralized, republic in the medieval period.