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The francisca or francesca is a throwing axe that was used by the Merovingian and Carolingian Franks between the 5th and 8th centuries.

Contents 1 Etymology 2 Description 3 See also 4 External links

The name “francisca” first appears in the book Ethymologiarum sive originum, libri XX by Isidor of Sevilla (c.570–636).

The régime of Vichy France used the image of a stylised double-headed francisque as part of its iconography — compare fasces.

Archaeological evidence indicates that the francisca was a common weapon among the Franks. It is believed by many that their name was actually derived from the francisca's name, (which would mean that the name France is ultimately also a derivative of the weapon's name.) Troops would throw it from a distance of approximately ten to twelve metres, or roughly forty feet. The edge of the axe was heavy so it would have a larger impact on the target, but because the axe wasn't balanced like a javelin, the francisca didn't fly as straight through the air, reducing range and accuracy.

The francisca has a characteristic S-shaped curve along the top of the head, the lower edge of the blade curving inward and then forming an elbow with the haft. The center of the axe head forms an angle of approximately 90–115° to the haft. The francisca will slice into the target at the toe of the blade and along the blade itself, and will also stick into the taget upside-down at the heel. Most franciscas have a rounded or teardrop-shaped eye for a tapered wooden haft, similar to Viking axes. Most franciscas were between eleven and twenty-three centimetres in length, and weighed between 200 and 1,300 grams or one-half to three pounds.

Today the francisca remains in popular use as a throwing-axe in competitions, and as a weapon for re-enactors. Many report that the weapon often bounces unpredictably after hitting the ground, allowing it to rebound up at the legs of opponents, or off shields and through the ranks, making it very difficult to block. In actual combat, this would serve to wound, kill, confuse, intimidate and disorganize the enemy lines at the crucial moment before the Frankish charge hit. Using this tactic the Franks defeated the Romans, conquering Gaul and renaming it France. In some instances, the francisca is therefore superior to the more accurate javelin as a ranged weapon, and was far more lethal in close combat.

The Francisca was designed to allow for a “head over end” movement as it flew through the air. Its design also allowed it to ricochet off the ground and to continue to kill and maim.

• Axe
• Battle-axe
• Throwing axe
• Franks
• Hurlbat
• Nzappa zap
• Tomahawk

• An informative page about axe throwing, by Norbert C. Maier
• Regia Anglorum page on germanic battle axes
• Lawrence, Matthew (2001). Throwing Axes.