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FranciscaThe Francisca or Francesca (German: Franziska or Franciska ; French: Francisca; Latin: Bipennes / Bipennis or Secures / Securis) is a throwing-axe used by the Merovingians Franks during the 5th and 8th centuries. It is a special form of throwing axe, with a very characteristic shape. The francisca is an archaeologically well-documented weapon common among the Franks. It was thrown from a distance of approximately 10 to 12 meters. The characteristic shape of a francisca is the 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 they 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 were between 11 and 23 cm long, and weighed between 200 and 1,300 grams. The name “francisca” was first used by Isidor of Sevilla (c.570–636) in his book Ethymologiarum sive originum libri XX. Today the francesca is popular as a throwing axe in sport, and as a weapon for re-enactors. External links See also
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