Transcript Rape of the Sabine Women - part 1

Rape of the Sabine
Women - part 1
Traditionally dated to 750 B.C.
The English word "rape" is a
conventional translation for the
Latin word raptio, which in this
context means abduction.
Shortly after the founding Romulus
and his mostly male followers
negotiated unsuccessfully with the
neighboring Sabines for wives.
The Romans then planned a festival to
Neptune Equester and
invited the neighboring
towns including the
Sabines.
At the festival Romulus gave a signal
and his men grabbed the Sabine
maidens and fought off the Sabine
men.
Livy, the Roman historian,
is clear that no sexual assault
took place.
Romulus offered the young women
free choice and civic and property
rights.
Livy points out that Romulus spoke
to each in person . . .
"and pointed out that it was owing to
the pride of their parents in denying
the right of inner marriage. They
would live in honorable wedlock, and
share all their property and civil
rights, and -- dearest to all human
nature -- would be the mothers of
free men."