Empowered Echoes: Unveiling the Stories of Ancient Roman Women in Action, from the Sabine Women to Artemisia Gentileschi

In the annals of tradition, the genesis of Rome is ascribed to the 8th century B.C. and the legendary figure of Romulus. Chronicled by the Roman historian Livy, the city swiftly burgeoned in strength, proving resilient against external tribal adversaries dwelling beyond its borders. Yet, amidst this early ascendancy, Rome found itself ensnared in an internal peril. The proteges of Romulus predominantly comprised men, for he had extended refuge to the marginalized and outcast populace from other cities.

Whilst the population of Rome increased immediately, there was a shortage of women in the new settlement. As a result, it seemed that Rome’s greatness was destined to last only for a generation, as these pioneers would not have children to carry on their legacy.

‘The Intervention of the Sabine Women’ by Jacques-Louis David, 1799 ( Public domain )

Initially, the Romans sought to form alliances with and requested the right of marriage from their neighbors. The emissaries sent to the neighboring tribes, however, failed in their mission, as Rome’s neighbors were not bothered with entertaining her requests. Some were even afraid that Rome’s growing power would become a threat to them and their descendants. As a result, Romulus decided to take more drastic actions in order to secure the future of his city.

Famous statue in Florence depicting the abduction of the women of Sabine by Giambologna ( Public domain )

Romulus found the perfect opportunity during the celebration of the Consualia. According to the ancient writer Plutarch, this festival was founded by Romulus himself. Apparently, Romulus had discovered an altar of a god called Consus hidden underground. This god was said to have been either a god of counsel or the Equestrian Neptune. To celebrate this discovery, Romulus established the Consualia, a day of sacrifices, public games and shows. Then he announced the festival to the neighboring peoples and many came to Rome. One of the neighboring tribes that attended the Consualia was the Sabines. According to Livy, the entire Sabine population, including women and children, came to Rome.

Romulus oversees the abduction of the Sabine women ( Public domain )

According to Plutarch, Romulus’ signal to the men of Rome was to be whenever he rose up to gather up his cloak and throw it over his body. When this signal was seen, the Romans were to fall on the Sabine maidens and carry them away. According to Plutarch, only virgins were abducted, with the exception of one Hersilia, who was a married woman. This, however, was said to be an accident. According to some historians the abduction of the Sabines was not perpetrated out of lust but out of a desire to form a strong alliance with them.

Some depictions of the abduction event depict the Sabine women as being willing participants. ‘The Rape of the Sabines: The Invasion’ by Charles Christian Nahl ( Public domain )

Instead of forging an alliance, the Romans found themselves embroiled in conflict with the Sabines, their actions having incited justifiable outrage over the forcible abduction of Sabine women. Following the defeat of the Sabines’ allies, the Romans directly clashed with the aggrieved Sabines. Amidst this turbulent period, the Sabine women, now reluctantly resigned to their roles as Roman wives, bore the heavy distress of witnessing the escalating war between the two factions.

In a poignant turn of events during a pivotal battle, the Sabine women courageously positioned themselves between the Roman and Sabine armies. With heartfelt pleas, they beseeched their husbands on one side and implored their fathers and brothers on the other to cease the senseless bloodshed. Livy recounts that, in a profound moment, the Sabine women assumed responsibility for the war, declaring a preference for their own demise over witnessing further violence within their interconnected families.

Moved by the sincerity of their impassioned appeal, the Romans and Sabines ultimately negotiated a peace treaty. This transformative accord not only halted hostilities but also solidified an alliance, unifying the two peoples under Rome’s leadership. In the aftermath, the city of Rome emerged strengthened, both politically and culturally, through the amalgamation of these once-hostile factions.