Bringing with them their language, religion, customs, and historical monuments, the Norwegians introduced a kind of feudal system, which, about the year 928, gave place to a somewhat aristocratic government, retaining, however, the name of a republic.

The island was divided into four provinces, over each of which was placed an hereditary governor or judge.
The General Assembly of Iceland (called Allthing) was held annually on the shores of the Lake Thingvalla.

The people possessed an excellent code of laws, in which provision had been made for every case which could occur.
This state of things lasted for more than 300 years, a period which may be called the golden age of Iceland.

Education, literature, and even refined poetry flourished among the inhabitants, who took part in commerce and in the sea-voyages which the Norwegians undertook for purposes of discovery.
The "Sagas," or histories of this country, contain many tales of personal bravery.

Its bards and historians visited other climes, became the favourites of monarchs, and returned to their island covered with honour and loaded with presents.