The Rape Of Sabine Women In Rome

The Rape of the Sabine Women is a myth recounted by Greek biographer Plutarch and
Italian historian Livy. It should be noted that this myth, the Sabine women are not physically raped. In this case, the word rape is synonymous with the words abduction and kidnapping. This myth is about the kidnapping of the Sabine women by the Romans. It is a rather interesting, strange story the Romans have found to be significant.

This myth begins with Romulus’ newly formed kingdom. Although Rome was successful, there was a problem. The majority of Rome consisted of men. There were not enough women, at the time, to be able to keep Rome’s population intact. To solve this dilemma,
Romulus decided to ask the neighboring countries to lend him their women. The
However, Romulus wasn’t one to just let Rome die out. He decided to take action, and was able to during the celebration of Consualia. Apparently, Romulus discovered an altar of either a god of consul or the Equestrian Neptune. He used this discovery as an excuse to celebrate and so he formed the Consualia. This day consists of sacrifices, public games and shows. Romulus invited the neighboring countries, which included the Sabine people, to attend this event. For this event, Romulus concocted a plan to capture the Sabine women in order to maintain Rome’s population. He told the men of Rome that when he raised his cloak and threw it over his body, each man would grab a virgin woman. This plan was successful, although one married woman named Hersilia was accidently captured.

The plan worked; however, it did not have the effect the Romans were intending. The
Romans were hoping the kidnapping of the Sabine women would form an alliance between
Rome and the Sabine people. An alliance was not formed. The Sabine people were angered at