The Sabines feared the emergence of a rival society and refused to allow their women to marry the Romans .
Seeking wives in order to establish families , the Romans negotiated unsuccessfully with the Sabines , who populated the surrounding area .
The Sabines feared the emergence of a rival society and refused to allow Romans ' women to marry Romans Romans .
Seeking wives in order to establish families , the Romans negotiated unsuccessfully with the Sabines , who populated the surrounding area .