WHY DID BEJAM BECOME ICELAND

WHY DID BEJAM BECOME ICELAND

<b>WHY DID BEJAM BECOME ICELAND</b>

Who Were the First Icelanders?

Before the arrival of the Vikings, Iceland was an uninhabited land. But who were these Vikings? And why did they leave their homes in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden to venture into the icy North Atlantic?

The Vikings were a seafaring people who raided and traded across Europe. They were also skilled shipbuilders and navigators. In the 9th century, they began to explore the North Atlantic in search of new lands.

In 874, a group of Vikings led by Ingólfur Arnarson landed on the coast of Iceland. They named it "Ísland," which means "ice land" in Old Norse. The Vikings found Iceland to be a land of great beauty and potential. They quickly settled the island and brought with them their culture, language, and traditions.

The Settlement of Iceland

The settlement of Iceland was a gradual process. Over the next few centuries, more and more Vikings arrived on the island. They brought with them their families, animals, and belongings. They also brought their political and social system.

The Vikings established a system of government based on local assemblies called "thing." The thing was a gathering of all the free men in a district. It met regularly to discuss and decide on matters of local importance.

The Vikings also established a system of law based on the Old Norse legal code. The law code was called the "Grágás." It covered a wide range of topics, including property rights, criminal law, and family law.

Life in Viking Iceland

Life in Viking Iceland was harsh and unforgiving. The climate was cold and wet, and the land was rocky and barren. The Vikings had to be resourceful and hardworking to survive.

The Vikings were primarily farmers. They grew crops such as barley, oats, and rye. They also raised animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. The Vikings also fished and hunted for food.

The Vikings lived in small settlements called "bær." A bær consisted of a few houses and a barn. The houses were made of wood and turf. The Vikings also built longhouses. Longhouses were long, narrow buildings that could house up to 100 people.

The Vikings were a seafaring people. They used their ships to trade with other countries. They also raided and plundered coastal settlements in Europe.

The Conversion to Christianity

In the 10th century, Iceland converted to Christianity. The conversion was peaceful and gradual. The Vikings were attracted to Christianity because it offered them a new way to understand the world and their place in it.

The conversion to Christianity had a profound impact on Icelandic society. It led to the establishment of a new social and political order. It also led to the development of a new Icelandic culture.

The Legacy of the Vikings

The Vikings left a lasting legacy in Iceland. They shaped the country's language, culture, and political system. They also contributed to the development of Western civilization.

The Vikings were a remarkable people. They were seafarers, explorers, warriors, and farmers. They were also poets, musicians, and artists. They left behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire us today.

Conclusion

Iceland's history is full of fascinating stories and remarkable people. The Vikings were just one of the many groups who have contributed to Iceland's rich culture and heritage. Today, Iceland is a modern and prosperous country. But it is also a country that is proud of its Viking past.

FAQs

  1. Who were the first Icelanders?
    The first Icelanders were Vikings from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. They arrived in Iceland in the 9th century.

  2. Why did the Vikings settle in Iceland?
    The Vikings settled in Iceland because they were looking for new lands to farm and raise animals. They also found Iceland to be a safe haven from the political and social turmoil in their home countries.

  3. What was life like in Viking Iceland?
    Life in Viking Iceland was harsh and unforgiving. The climate was cold and wet, and the land was rocky and barren. The Vikings had to be resourceful and hardworking to survive.

  4. When did Iceland convert to Christianity?
    Iceland converted to Christianity in the 10th century. The conversion was peaceful and gradual. The Vikings were attracted to Christianity because it offered them a new way to understand the world and their place in it.

  5. What is the legacy of the Vikings in Iceland?
    The Vikings left a lasting legacy in Iceland. They shaped the country's language, culture, and political system. They also contributed to the development of Western civilization.

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