The "Sabine women" refers to a group of women from the ancient Sabine tribe in Italy. According to Roman mythology, they were abducted by the early Romans, led by Romulus, to provide wives for their men. This event is often depicted in art and literature as a pivotal moment in the founding of Rome. The abduction of the Sabine women is famously illustrated in the painting "The Rape of the Sabine Women" by Nicolas Poussin. The story highlights themes of conflict and reconciliation, as the women eventually played a crucial role in bringing peace between the Romans and the Sabines.