Hostus Hostilius

Hostus Hostilius was a Roman warrior in the time of Romulus, and the grandfather of Tullus Hostilius, the third Roman king. Legend 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. The Sabine charge came to a halt, uncertain of how to proceed, and concerned for the fate of their leader, who with the encouragement of his men, managed to free his horse and escape. With the battle at a standstill and the outcome in doubt, the Sabine women themselves interceded, urging their husbands and fathers not to kill one another. Romulus and Tatius agreed to a truce, and joint rulership of Rome.