Viking Law and Order: Places and Rituals of Assembly in the Medieval North

The Vikings are well-known for their violent raids and pillage, but they also had a well-organised system for political decision-making, legal cases and conflict resolution.These activities took place at outdoor assembly sites, such as Thingvellir in Iceland, which were carefully selected for their characteristics and then maintained and rebuilt over time. Whilst not neglecting or denying the violent elements of the Norse people, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of their well-ordered culture of law and assembly. It is demonstrated that these two elements formed an integral part of Norse life and identity, to the extent that the assembly institution was brought to all Norse settlements.