Those Civilized Vikings

A common misinterpretation is that vikings were savages. Though it is true that they plundered and extracted wealth from the rest of Europe, the domestic Viking society was relatively peaceful and civilized. They had the "thing" which is "the Viking cradle of democracy because their establishment, [the "thing,"] was an early attempt to introduce a representative system, allowing disputes to be settled in a neutral forum rather than by blood feud and violence alone." 

The "thing" was a general assembly where "Political decisions were made... laws upheld and disputes settled" and where "any free man was entitled to vote." According to A&R, the "thing" would be characterized as an inclusive political institution. However, whats so interesting about the "thing" is that it "was also a focus for religious activity, as well as trade and exchange." In other words, the thing was an inclusive economic institution as well. It created a huge incentive for trade with "booths, or huts, where traders came to do business with people attending the meeting." The vikings were highly civilized for their time with their own runic scripture, nordic religion, and hints of inclusive institutions. Many of the current scandinavian parliaments have their names derived from the "thing." Though I am doubtful, according to A&R's theory of persistence and path-dependent change, the "thing" may be a small part of why the Scandinavian countries have always been fairly stable, productive nations.