How did the Althing govern Iceland during the Commonwealth period?

During the Commonwealth period (c. 930–1262), the Althing served as the national assembly for Iceland, meeting annually at Thingvellir. In the absence of a central executive authority, the country was governed by a ruling class of approximately 40 chieftains known as godar.12

The assembly’s governance structure functioned through two primary components:

• Law Council (lögrétta): This body consisted of the godar, who were responsible for creating and amending the laws of the land.2
• Courts of Justice: These courts handled legal disputes, with panels of judges nominated by the godar from among the householders.2

While all farmers were required to belong to a chieftaincy (godord), they theoretically held the freedom to change their allegiance between chieftains. However, the system lacked a central authority to enforce democratic practices, and political power was restricted to the heads of farming households, excluding women and workers. This unique arrangement eventually collapsed in the 13th century as power consolidated among a few elite families, leading to the end of the Commonwealth.23