early population and settlement
The earliest known settlers of Iceland were Irish monks. During the 9th century, these monks were driven out by pagan Vikings (Scandinavian sailors and explorers). The monks were most likely not comfortable sharing an island with these powerful, pagan counterparts. In the 9th century, a Norwegian Viking named Naddoddur discovered Iceland by accident. He and his crew were sailing from Norway to the Faroe Islands but got lost and ended up on the eastern coast of Iceland. After discovering the lack of human inhabitants, Naddoddur and his crew decided to sail back. Gardar Svavarsson, a Swede, was the next Viking to travel to Iceland. Gardar named the island after himself (Gardarsholmi or Gardar’s Island), Norwegian Viking, Floki Vilgerdarson, would be the man who gave Iceland its permanent name. Vilgerdarson and his family and friends did not have such a good experience on Iceland as did the Vikings that preceded him. Vilgerdarson and his shipmates were ill prepared for the winter, causing many of their livestock to die. Upon leaving, Vilgerdarson renamed the country to Iceland. Despite the negative comments of Vilgerdarson, news of the beautiful country soon spread across Scandinavia.
Iceland became inhabited by Norseman between the years 870-930 AD, led by Ingolfur Arnarson, who, according the the Landnámabók (or Book of Settlements in English), was also the first official settler. When approaching the island, Ingolfur threw wooden posts overboard, stating that he and the other travelers on his trip would settle wherever the posts washed ashore. The posts washed ashore in southwest Iceland. Ingolfur named the area Reykjavik, meaning Smokey Bay, which is Iceland’s capital today. Many Scandinavians began to settle in Iceland over the next 60 years. The settlers were most likely unhappy with the harsh Norwegian king at the time. Iceland was an ideal place for farming and fishing, allowing the settlers with enough resources to sustain themselves. The land was conducive for the breeding of sheep, which would soon become a major economical facet of Iceland.
At the end of the settlement period around the year 930 AD, a judicial and law-making political body called Althing was created by some of the inhabitants. Iceland’s constitution was modeled after that of Norway’s. Althing was held every summer for 2 weeks in order to discuss all matters of law. During the 11th Century, Norwegian Christian converts came as missionaries to Iceland and converted many of the inhabitants. Iceland would go on to face many hardships in relation to their government and over all well being. Despite these hardships, Iceland is a highly prosperous country.
Iceland became inhabited by Norseman between the years 870-930 AD, led by Ingolfur Arnarson, who, according the the Landnámabók (or Book of Settlements in English), was also the first official settler. When approaching the island, Ingolfur threw wooden posts overboard, stating that he and the other travelers on his trip would settle wherever the posts washed ashore. The posts washed ashore in southwest Iceland. Ingolfur named the area Reykjavik, meaning Smokey Bay, which is Iceland’s capital today. Many Scandinavians began to settle in Iceland over the next 60 years. The settlers were most likely unhappy with the harsh Norwegian king at the time. Iceland was an ideal place for farming and fishing, allowing the settlers with enough resources to sustain themselves. The land was conducive for the breeding of sheep, which would soon become a major economical facet of Iceland.
At the end of the settlement period around the year 930 AD, a judicial and law-making political body called Althing was created by some of the inhabitants. Iceland’s constitution was modeled after that of Norway’s. Althing was held every summer for 2 weeks in order to discuss all matters of law. During the 11th Century, Norwegian Christian converts came as missionaries to Iceland and converted many of the inhabitants. Iceland would go on to face many hardships in relation to their government and over all well being. Despite these hardships, Iceland is a highly prosperous country.
This map illustrates the explorational paths of the Vikings during their existence. Iceland is one of their earlier discoveries/destinations, denoted by the dark brown line.
Although this is a modern map of the land utilization of Iceland, it is apparent why the southwest region of Iceland became a good settlement for Ingolfur Arnarson and his constituents. This area was (and still is) conducive for agricultural growth and grazing lands. The inner areas of Iceland are not ideal for farming due to harsh conditions such as permanent ice and snow.
early iceland timeline
Early Iceland on Dipity.
Additional resources
Iceland's natural resources:
http://www.iceland.is/the-big-picture/nature-environment/natural-resources/
Additional history, geography, and climate information:
http://www.icetradedirectory.com/english/about_iceland/
http://www.iceland.is/the-big-picture/nature-environment/natural-resources/
Additional history, geography, and climate information:
http://www.icetradedirectory.com/english/about_iceland/
There seems to have been a shift in the ages of the citizens of Iceland from 1970 (top image) to 2010 (bottom image). Perhaps this is due to women being forward in their right to be valued members of the workforce. In 1975, about a 3rd of all the women in Iceland walked out of their jobs to demonstrate the impact of their absence. Iceland is seen as a highly feminist country, so it is possible that women began to wait until later to have children or not have children at all. This may explain the decrease in younger citizens over time.