Iceland stamp year 1952 The Building of the Althing

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Iceland stamp year 1952 The Building of the Althing

Iceland stamp year 1952 The Building of the Althing

The Althing, or Alþingi in Icelandic, is one of the oldest parliaments in the world, with a rich history dating back to the early medieval period. Here’s an overview of the building of the Althing:

Historical Background

Establishment:

  • The Althing was established in 930 AD at Þingvellir, a site located about 45 kilometers east of what is now Reykjavik.
  • Þingvellir, meaning “Parliament Plains,” was chosen due to its central location and accessibility for the early settlers from different parts of Iceland.

Function:

  • The Althing served as a general assembly of Icelandic chieftains (goðar) and was a venue for legislative and judicial functions.
  • It was a place where laws were made and disputes were settled. The lawspeaker (lögsögumaður) presided over the assembly and recited the laws from memory.
  • The assembly met annually in the summer and lasted for about two weeks.

Structure and Proceedings

Law Council (Lögrétta):

  • The Lögrétta was the legislative body of the Althing, composed of the chieftains and their advisors.
  • They discussed and decided on new laws and amendments.

Courts:

  • Various courts were held at the Althing to resolve disputes. These included the Quarter Courts (Fjórðungsdómar) and the Fifth Court (Fimmtardómur), which dealt with more serious cases.

Allsherjargoði:

  • The Allsherjargoði was a high priest and the chief chieftain who held a ceremonial role, especially in calling the assembly to order.

Significance

Cultural and Social Role:

  • The Althing was not only a political institution but also a social and cultural event where people from all over Iceland gathered.
  • It was an opportunity for trade, marriage arrangements, feasts, and the sharing of news and stories.
  • In the year 1000, the Althing played a crucial role in the Christianization of Iceland. It was decided at the assembly that Iceland would officially adopt Christianity.

Evolution

Decline and Changes:

  • In the 13th century, Iceland lost its independence to Norway, and later to Denmark, leading to changes in the Althing’s role and significance.
  • By the 19th century, the Althing was reconstituted as a consultative assembly under Danish rule.
  • In 1845, the Althing was restored as a legislative body. It initially met in Reykjavik Cathedral before moving to its current location.
  • Today, the Althing operates as a modern parliament in the Alþingishúsið, the parliament house in Reykjavik.

Alþingishúsið:

  • Built in 1881, Alþingishúsið is a classical building made of hewn Icelandic stone.
  • It houses the parliamentary sessions and has been expanded to include adjacent buildings to accommodate the growing needs of the parliament.

The Althing remains a symbol of Icelandic identity and democracy, reflecting a continuous tradition of governance that has adapted over centuries while maintaining its historical roots.

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