The Sab'ines, who were at that time considered as the most warlike people of Italy, rejected the proposal with disdain.9.

Rom'ulus, therefore, proclaimed a feast, in honour of Neptune,[2] throughout all the neighbouring villages, and made the most magnificent preparations for celebrating it.

These feasts were generally preceded by sacrifices, and ended in shows of wrestlers, gladiators, and chariot-courses.

The Sab'ines, as he had expected, were among the foremost who came to be spectators, bringing their wives and daughters with them, to share the pleasures of the sight.10.In the mean time the games began, and while the strangers were most intent upon the spectacle, a number of the Roman youth rushed in among them with drawn swords, seized the youngest and most beautiful women, and carried them off by violence.
In vain the parents protested against this breach of hospitality; the virgins were carried away and became the wives of the Romans.
11.

A bloody war ensued.