Story The Rape of the Sabine Women

rape of sabine women pietro da cortona, 1627–29.

the rape occurred in history of rome, shortly after founding romulus , male followers. seeking wives in order establish families, romans negotiated unsuccessfully sabines, populated surrounding area. sabines feared emergence of rival society , refused allow women marry romans. consequently, romans planned abduct sabine women during festival of neptune equester. planned , announced marvelous festival attract people nearby towns. according livy, many people rome s neighboring towns attended, including folk caeninenses, crustumini, , antemnates, , many of sabines. @ festival, romulus gave signal, @ romans grabbed sabine women , fought off sabine men. indignant abductees implored romulus accept roman husbands.

livy claims no direct sexual assault took place, albeit fuller evidence, when compared later history, suggests seduction based on promises romans (promises inadequate, in event) , betrayal of promises. livy says romulus offered them free choice , promised civic , property rights women. according livy, romulus spoke them each in person, declaring done owing pride of fathers, had refused grant privilege of marriage neighbours; notwithstanding, should joined in lawful wedlock, participate in possessions , civil privileges, and, nothing can dearer human heart, in common children.