Old Norse law-governed assembly for justice and collective decisions.
The þing was the central political and judicial institution in Old Scandinavian society. Free men gathered regularly on sacred ground to settle disputes, confirm laws, declare war and elect leaders.
The Althing in Iceland, founded in 930, is one of the oldest surviving parliaments in the world. The þing was governed by rules of speech rights, testimony and the peace of the assembly, and all participants had the right to its protection.
Attestations
- Grágás, den isländska medeltidslagen
- Detailed regulation of the þing's procedures and rights.