Information AboutFrancisca |
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The francisca or '''francesca''' ( that was used by the Merovingian and Carolingian Franks between the 5th and 8th centuries. Etymology 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 . Description Good Archaeological evidence exists for the common use of the francisca by the Franks. Troops would throw it from a distance of approximately ten to twelve Metres . The edge of the axe was also heavier so it would do a larger impact on the target, but because the axe wasn't balanced in weight the francisca didn't go straight in the air, reducing the Accuracy . The francisca has a characteristic S-shaped curvature of the upper head, the lower edge describing a simple Elbow . The lower part of the Blade swings strongly to the handle, and has two clearly trained points, while the upper edge is particularly strongly formed out. Mostly franciscas have a round shank hole for a (possibly swung) wooden Handle . The centre of the axe head forms an angle of approximately 90–115° to the handle. Most franciscas had a length of between eleven and twenty-three Centimetres , and weighed between 200 and 1,300 Grams . Today the francisca remains in popular use as a throwing-axe in sport, and as a weapon for Re-enactors . Many report that the weapon often bounces unpredictably after hitting the ground, making it very difficult to block. This would serve to confuse, scare, and disorganize an enemy line at the crucial moment before the Frankish charge hit. For some purposes, the francisca is therefore superior to the more accurate Javelin . SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS
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