Travel through our timeline of major events in Iceland's history.

850-875:
The first Viking settlers arrive, bringing Irish slaves with them.

930:
Chieftains from across Iceland gather in Thingvellir to form the Althing, the world's first parliament, or congress.

1200s:
Icelanders begin to write down the Old Norse sagas for the first time. Until now, the epic poems, legends and historical tales were memorized and recited.

1264:
After many attempts, Norway takes control of Iceland. The move ends bloody civil wars between settlers.

1380:
Norway and Iceland come under Denmark's control.

1402 – 1404:
The Black Death plague devastates Iceland.

1600s:
Pirates from England, Spain and Algeria raid the coasts and ruin Iceland's trade economy.

1800:
The Althing, the world's first parliament, is abolished.

1915:
Iceland gets its current flag. It is a blue flag with a red and white Scandinavian Cross.

1917:
Women get the right to vote in national elections.

1918:
Iceland becomes a self-ruled state, but is still in a union with Denmark.

1944:
After Icelanders vote to end the union with Denmark, Iceland is proclaimed an independent republic on June 17. Sveinn Bjorrnsson is the first president.

1973:
A massive volcanic eruption on Heimaey forms Eldfell (fire mountain). Lava flows for sixth months.

1975:
Iceland bans foreign fishermen from a 200-mile zone beyond its coastline. British fishermen especially resent the restriction.

1980:
Vigdís Finnbogadóttir becomes Iceland's president. She is the first woman ever elected president of a republic.

2000:
Mount Hekla's most recent eruption shakes the region outside Reykjavik in February. Since 1970, Hekla has erupted every 10 years.

2003:
In August, Iceland embarks on its first whale hunt in 15 years. Its government says the hunt is being conducted to study the mammals' impact on fish stocks.

2004:
Olafur Ragnar Grimsson is re-elected president.