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Guide to Throwing Axes

The throwing ax or francisca is thought to have originated around the 4th century AD with the Franks, a Germanic tribe. It was a lightweight ax with a curved head made of iron.

  1. Francisca

    • The francisca was also a cutting tool and weapon with a short handle. Throwing it would cause it to richochet off the ground in any direction, according to the MilitaryFactory website. The ax became a national symbol for the Franks, who used it in battle during the early Middle Ages.

    Use in War

    • On signal, the Franks would throw their axes, often before they charged the enemy. The francesca had an effective range of about 40 feet. It could shatter wooden shields and bounce randomly off the ground to disrupt the enemy advance.

    Other Facts

    • The francisca was used by the Franks for about two centuries and represented a psychological weapon as well as a physical one, due to its unpredictability after it hit the ground. Its use spread to other Germanic tribes in the area.

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