A throwing axe used by the Franks (Germanic people) in medieval Europe, with a curved blade and short handle.
Named after the Franks, the Germanic tribes who used this weapon around the 5th-7th centuries. The weapon is also called a 'throwing axe' or 'scrammasax.' The term comes directly from the Latin 'francisca' identifying it with the Frankish people.
The Francisca was the ultimate medieval power move—a throwing axe that Frankish warriors would hurl at enemies before charging in with melee weapons, making it like an ancient grenade that made them some of the most feared soldiers in Europe.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.