The francisca (or francesca) is a throwing axe used as a weapon during the Early Middle Ages by the Franks, among whom it was a characteristic national weapon at the time of the Merovingians from about 500 to 750 AD and is known to have been used during the reign of Charlemagne (768 - 814).[1] Although generally associated with the Franks, it was also used by other Germanic peoples of the period including the Anglo-Saxons, and several examples have been found in England.[2]
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The term francisca first appeared in the book Ethymologiarum sive originum, libri XVIII by Isidore of Seville (c. 560 - 636) as a name used among the Spanish to refer to these weapons "because of their use by the Franks".
The historian Gregory of Tours (c. 538 - 594) in his History of the Franks uses two Latin terms for the Frankish axe - securis and bipennis.
The régime of Vichy France used the image of a stylised double-headed francisque as part of its iconography (compare fasces).
The francisca is characterized by its distinctly arch-shaped head, widening toward the cutting edge and terminating in a prominent point at both the upper and lower corners. The top of the head is usually either S-shaped or convex with the lower portion curving inward and forming an elbow with the short wooden haft.[1][2] Sometimes the head is more upswept forming a wider angle with the haft. Most franciscas have a round or teardrop-shaped eye designed to fit the tapered haft, similar to Viking axes. Based on the measurements of modern replicas the francisca had a haft length of around 40-45 cm (16-18 in) and a 10 cm (4 in) cutting edge [1] [2] with an average weight of around 600 g (21 oz, 1.3 lb).[1] Based on surviving heads of franciscas recovered at Burgh Castle and Morning Thorpe in county Norfolk, England [2] the length of the head itself measured 14-15 cm (5-6 in) from the edge to the back of the socket.
The Roman historian Procopius (c. 500 - 565) described the Franks and their use of throwing axes:
Procopius makes it clear that the Franks threw their axes immediately before hand to hand combat with the purpose of breaking shields and disrupting the enemy line while possibly wounding or killing an enemy warrior. The weight of the head and length of the haft would allow the axe to be thrown with considerable momentum to an effective range of about 12 m (40 ft). Even if the edge of the blade were not to strike the target the weight of the iron head could cause injury. The Franks were not the first to utilize the Francisca. The Francisca was also used as an intimidator in that upon throwing of the Francisca, the enemy might turn and run in the fear that another volley was coming.[2]
Another feature of the francisca was the tendency to bounce unpredictably upon hitting the ground [3] due to its weight, unique shape, lack of balance and slight curvature of the haft, making it difficult for defenders to block. It could rebound up at the legs of opponents or against shields and through the ranks. The Franks capitalized on this by throwing the franciscas in a volley in order to confuse, intimidate and disorganize the enemy lines either before or during a charge to initiate close combat.
Today, the francisca remains in popular use as a throwing axe in competitions or as a weapon for reenactors of medieval warfare.[4] [5]
| ←The Hebrew Melodies | Francisca by |
Francisca walks in the shadow of night,
But 'tis not to gaze on the heavenly light—
But if she sits in her garden bower,
'Tis not for the sake of its blowing flower.
She listens—but not for the nightingale—
Though her ear expects as soft a tale.
There winds a step through the foliage thick,
And her cheek grows pale—and her heart beats quick.
There whispers a voice thro' the rustling leaves,
A moment more—and they shall meet—
'Tis past—her Lover's at her feet.
Francisca (f)
   | An informative page about axe throwing, by Norbert C. Maier - www.axtwerfen.de |
| | Regia Anglorum page on germanic battle axes - Regia Anglorum - Arms and Armour - Part 3 - Axes |
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