Frankish Merovingian Axe

In the 5th and 6th centuries, an axe like this one was used widely by the Frankish Merovingian dynasty that had taken over the Rhineland territory after the collapse of the Roman Empire.

A Merovingian would hurl his axe at the enemy from a distance of about 10 meters, and then follow up with a sword and shield. An axe blade of solid steel can cause devastating injuries – that has been impressively proven in modern tests. The straight, hardwood handle is purposely lightweight so the maximum kinetic energy of the axe blow is concentrated at its head. The Merovingian axe was just one of the reasons for the dynasty's reputation for ferocity in war.

Specifications

Overall Length: 49cm

Weight: 0.9kg