... assure peace and lead to the two peoples becoming one with Rome as the seat of power. When considering what kind of image this story portrays of Roman society one must take into consideration numerous factors. Livy's position and motives in writing the piece must be examined extensively as should the significance of mass rape being a key element in the growth of the Roman Empire. It must also be considered what Livy was suggesting were the ultimate consequences, both political and social, of the abduction of the Sabine women. By examining these factors and then assessing them as a whole, one should have a clearer image of what Roman society. The story of the Sabine women can be used to tell us much about Roman concepts of women. Romans of the imperial period believed that women in the archaic era inspired others by their practice of Roman virtues and the story ...

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