Those of you who have read Blood Feud (book 1 of my Rebellion trilogy (though keep an eye out for book 2: Uprising which should be launched in early 2025)), will be aware of Agatho, Thegn Oslac’s Frankish champion-cum-bodyguard and most loyal and deadly of his huscarls.

If, as well as reading the book, you were also paying attention (award yourselves 2 points if so), then you will know that Agatho’s weapon of choice is a pair of short-handled throwing axes that he keeps in his belt, and which he uses to pretty devastating effect on an all too regular basis. These specific axes are known as franciscas for reasons which may be obvious, but which I will explain below.

‘Like many of his people, Agatho eschewed the use of sword or spear. He didn’t always carry a shield, even. Instead, he was a master of the axe. Not only did he have a pair of short-handled throwing axes that he kept stuffed in his belt at all times, but he also possessed a heavy two-handed battle axe. He was deadly with both. He could hit a running man’s head from twenty paces nine times in ten, and those who saw him swinging his battle-axe in great arcs around his head would have thought him possessed by some demon.’

Blood Feud. Paul Bernardi, 2024

So, as a tribute to Oslac’s most fearsome, most deadly and most accomplished warrior, the rest of this article will focus on the – admittedly niche – subject of this awesome and versatile weapon and how someone like Agatho might have put it to use.

Introduction

Contrary to what some might think, I put quite a bit of thought into this character when I was planning these books. I was looking for someone a little unhinged, but who was also an elite warrior, in the mould of a ‘Viking’ Berserker if you will. From this thought, a skeleton view was formed in terms of making him a Frank who was both an orphan and a former slave. With that basic design in place, I had plenty of scope when it came to putting the flesh on the bones as the story – and the character – developed. Not least how he was equipped and his fighting style.

Agatho hails from what used to be known as Francia (i.e. the realm of the Franks) from which we derive the modern nation of France. Francia began its rise to prominence in the post Roman era (filling the vacuum left by the collapse of the western empire. Under Clovis (ruled 488-511), it began as a region centred around the Rhine and Meuse rivers; while, at its 9th century peak – under Charlemagne – the kingdom comprised most of France, the Low Countries, Germany and a good portion of Italy.

One of the many factors that contributed to this huge expansion of Frankish rule was their military prowess, a part of which, in turn, was down to their weaponry. The throwing axe – or Francisca – played a prominent role within that arsenal.

Origin

As with most things from the Early Middle Ages, there’s not much that can be called unequivocable fact. Consequently (and this is a large part of why I enjoy writing in this period), there is often a need to fill the void with reasoned supposition and justifiable likelihood. The francisca is no exception to this rule; though it should be noted that several examples in varying conditions have been found across western Europe, including in England (one of which can be seen at the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes).

The first recorded use of the term francisca appears in a book written by Isidore of Seville (560 – 636): Etymologiarum sive originum. In it, he describes the word as a name that was used in the region (i.e. an area of Spain that was then under Visigothic rule) to refer to these axes on the basis that they were used “by the Franks.” Not a wholly unreasonable point, to be fair. Further, contemporary references can be found in the works of Procopius and Gregory of Tours who both refer to them being thrown by the Franks prior to engaging the enemy.

At the time of these writings, however, the weapon had most likely been in use for two, or maybe even three, generations at least; there is evidence of it having been used as far back King Clovis’ reign.

To add to their somewhat vague origin, it is also not known for how long these axes remained in common usage, or when their existence ceased altogether, though they are known to have featured during the reign of Charlemagne (768-814). The likelihood is, however, that they began to be phased out (as a throwing weapon, at least) with the improved development of other missile-type weapons such as the bow and the crossbow.

By the time of the 1060s (the setting for my trilogy), I would doubt whether the francisca still had many adherents at all. As such, I can hopefully be forgiven a little artistic licence by allowing Agatho to revel in their use. I like to think of him as a man who appreciates the finer things in life; the kind of bloke who, nowadays, might spend many hours on a Sunday tinkering with a classic car from the 1960s or trawling through car boot sales for that all elusive original AA car badge. I can imagine him muttering under his breath, bemoaning the lack of craftsmanship in the modern age and saying things like ‘they don’t make them like this anymore’ as he lovingly polishes or sharpens the blade. He’s a man who appreciates the old ways and rues the gradual erosion of such ancient skills.

‘ “Cost a small fortune those axes, as you can only find them in France. Your Saxon smiths lack the skill to achieve the perfect balance; though I reckon Eldbert might come close to be fair.”’

Uprising, Paul Bernardi 2025

Design and Construction

The francisca was blessed with a distinctive design. As primarily a throwing weapon, the emphasis would have been on weight and balance so that the axe would fly true to its intended target, arcing gracefully end over end as it did so.

Examples of different head designs.

The head was typically forged from a single block of iron, one end of which would have been left thick enough to accommodate an eyehole (through which the wooden handle would be fitted). Conversely, the other end would have been hammered flat to form a curved blade, which was then painstakingly sharpened to form a keen edge. Looking at the axe from side on, you would note that the top of the iron head was curved: either convex or S shaped (there are examples of both).

A full design with wooden shaft.

The wooden shaft – about 40-45 cms in length – was also made with a slightly convex curve which, when added to the heavy iron head, allowed the weapon to be thrown with greater accuracy and force. You can imagine standing there – frozen with fear – watching this axe spinning through the air towards you until the force of the blade split your skull in two. Perhaps your last thought, as you soiled your trews, would have been to admire the exquisite craftsmanship and aerodynamic design.

Note: should you be so inclined, there are a few videos on Youtube that show how a francisca might have been made using traditional methods. The Swede with the Iron Maiden poster in his forge was particularly illuminating.

Usage

As stated above, the francisca’s main function was to be a missile. Whether in a static shield wall, or when charging an enemy, the Franks would hurl a volley of axes at their opponents as they closed to within effective range (say 15-20 yards). Such a salvo might easily disrupt a defensive formation or shatter the impetus of a charge.

A more targeted use might also be made, in terms of a single, enterprising warrior using their axe to take out a key target, such as an enemy commander, in the heat of battle. A far from impossible task with someone of Agatho’s skill.

‘Placing his boot on to the corpse’s chest, Agatho bent down to lever his axe from where it had lodged itself before cleaning both weapons on the man’s cloak.

“Wish you’d been there to see that one, Oslac. Hit him square in the head, I did. A full twenty paces away. While he was running at me, too.”‘

Blood Feud. Paul Bernardi, 2024

But throwing was not their only use; the francisca was also remarkably effective as a close quarters weapon. Though not as powerful as the Danish two-handed battle-axe, the head of the francisca could still deliver crushing blows that would be enough to cleave skulls, break bones or crush helms.

Its curved blade could also be put to good use as a hook to be placed over the top of an enemy warrior’s shield. Using the axe thus to pull the shield down, would leave the poor wretch horribly exposed to the spearmen in the second rank.

In summary, in the hands of a trained killer, the francisca was a deadly and versatile weapon that would doubtless strike fear into the hearts of the enemy. They were simply too much fun not to bring (i.e. shoehorn) them into my novels.

Allow me to conclude by giving Agatho the Frank the final word, showing just how highly he prized his fransicas.

‘…the knight’s expression had changed; now it was frozen in shock as he toppled sideways out of the saddle, one of Agatho’s throwing axes embedded in the back of his skull. Startled, the dead man’s horse reared up on its hind legs, its hooves narrowly missing Oslac’s head. With no rider to control it, the beast bolted away down the path, dragging its rider alongside, his left foot hopelessly tangled in the stirrup.

“Bring my ******* axe back here, you bastard.” ‘

Uprising, Paul Bernardi 2025

Paul Bernardi is the author of Uprising, published by Sharpe Books.