The Old Covenant refers to agreements associated with Icelanders accepting the authority of the Norwegian king in the 13th century. The development marked a major turning point after the conflicts of the Age of the Sturlungs and shifted Iceland from the Commonwealth system toward royal rule.
For broader historical context, continue with Age of the Sturlungs and Icelandic Commonwealth. Together these topics help explain how political power and Iceland’s relationship with Norway changed during the Middle Ages.