Ancient history

framed

The framee was the traditional spear used in the High Middle Ages by Frankish warriors. It was shaped like a long javelin. The name as used by Gregory of Tours may also have designated different types of weapons ('acute sword on the one hand, and on the other sword. according to the glossary of Johannes de Janua).

History

The framee has many features in common with the angon of the Franks. But it seems to have been quite different from the ger of the other Germanic peoples. Tacitus describes it as a spear (lat. hasta) relatively light, so much so that it was most often used as a throwing weapon. The Latin historian took the trouble to reproduce the word used by the Germans to designate this weapon (framea). Swords and spears were only carried by men of the upper classes, given the cost of iron objects. This remark corresponds with the frequency of this weapon in the burials of warrior, compared to the other weapons. Even more significant is Tacitus' remark that the frame was used both as a throwing weapon and as a hand-to-hand weapon:witness the shafts of spears, the wood of which has been preserved in the Nordic bogs, with their handle.

Description

When it comes to the spear, it is equipped with an iron point in the shape of a sharp laurel, mounted on a shaft. A rather short spear (about 1.80 meters), it was used as a throwing or thrusting weapon. The tip was very long.

When the spear is less frequently equipped with hooks, then it is called an angon.


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