Oldest Parliament in the world – Iceland
Oldest Parliament in the world?
Its in Iceland. Did you know that? No?
Icelanders adopted the parliamentary system of governance in 930 AD! Iceland is the country with the oldest parliament in the world!
The History of the Parliament
Iceland’s Viking settlers decided in 930 AD that Iceland was to be its own commonwealth. They chose Þingvellir as their location for their first national assembly (called alÞingi). AlÞingi also acted as a court, but not the orderly court we are used to today. Court proceedings were actually allowed to be interrupted for fights among litigants! Also, the sentences that they pronounced, were not necessarily aligned with the severity of the act. The death penalty was given for theft, adultery and witchcraft. However, they deemed murder as honorable in most cases.
The Alpingi/Althingi is famous for its early experiment with Republicanism and its bloody feuds. It was also known for its longevity. Indeed, court proceedings were held until 1799. This was a 869 years after it was created! After that, they moved it to Reykjavik. It still stands there today!
The Violent Past
Drekkingarhylur or ‘the drowning pool’ in Althingi is a reminder of Iceland’s violent past. The court often beheaded men who were guilty of adultery, infanticide and witchcraft. They did not behead women, though. Women were drowned, instead. There is a plaque there remembering 18 women. These women were drowned here between 1618 and 1749.
You can see contradiction in ideology here also, like in most of Iceland’s history. It was the first country to adopt a parliamentary system. But, its implementation was ridden with barbaric acts. And of course, violence marred its history!
Interested in travel to Iceland? Check out some of our Iceland itineraries here.
For ideas on experiential travel to Europe, Asia and Africa, visit Beyonder Travel.
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