Note 122 — SECTION III. HISTORICAL NOTES.[111]
Reading edition
Some foreigners erroneously write for Althingi, “Allthing,” which would be pronounced Atl-or Adl-thing. Al-is from allr, all, the highest possible degree, e.g., Al-máttigr, Almighty. All-is right or very, e.g., All-vitr, right clever (Cleasby). The following is a synopsis of the most important events in the history of this famous Diet:
A.D.965.Reform (bill) carried by Thord Gellir, who organised the courts and settled the political divisions of Iceland.
”1004.Institution of the Fifth Court (of Appeal).
”1024.Repudiation of the King of Norway’s attempt to annex Iceland.
”1096.Tíund or tithes introduced.
”1117-18.The laws codified, written down, and adopted by the Althing. This code was afterwards called Grágás.
”1262-64.Submission to the King of Norway.
”1272.Second written code (Járn-siða) introduced.
”1280(?). Third written code (Jóns-bók) introduced.