sa'binz, an ancient people of Italy. They occupied a region, for the most part rugged and mountainous, eastward from the central portion of the River Tiber. They preserved a reputation for simplicity and austerity of manners even in the day of Livy and Cicero. They have been called the Spartans of Italy. According to tradition the young men of Rome on one occasion secured wives by inviting the Sabines and their families to a feast and celebration of games. At an agreed signal each Roman seized the Sabine virgin who pleased his fancy and carried her away by force. When later the Sabines attacked the Romans to avenge the affront, the young wives besought their parents to make peace. The incident is known as the carrying away or rape of the Sabines. See ROME.