The francisca (or francesca)'s 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's known to have been used during the reign of Charlemagne (768 - 814). 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. Etymology The term francisca… (More on Francisca)