In reprisal for the
Rape of the Sabine Women, the Romans were attacked by forces sent by several
Sabine towns. The Romans, who had anticipated rash action of this sort, quickly routed the armies of
Caenina,
Antemnae, and
Crustumerium. But
Titus Tatius, king of the Sabine city of
Cures, was more cautious, and gained access to the Roman citadel through subterfuge, forcing the Romans to fight from a disadvantageous position. The two armies advanced toward each other along the ground between the
Palatine and
Capitoline hills, with the Sabine champion,
Mettius Curtius, in the lead. Hostus Hostilius, his Roman counterpart, met him in single combat. Although Hostus fought valiantly, Mettius had the advantage of the ground, and slew the Roman champion. Disheartened, the Roman line broke and fled to their fortifications on the Palatine, as Mettius and the Sabines gave chase. Unable to control his army, Romulus vowed a temple to
Jupiter Stator if his men would recover their courage, and face the enemy. As if in answer to his prayer, the Romans turned before the gates of the Palatine, so suddenly that Mettius' horse took fright and bolted, becoming stuck in the swampy ground that would become the
Roman Forum. According to
Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Hostus' wife was
Hersilia, At his death, Hostus left a young son, who in turn was the father of
Tullus Hostilius, the third King of Rome. Hostilius was buried in the Roman Forum, where a monument was set up and inscribed in honour of his bravery. ==See also==