Athenian Recreation, Festivals, and Global Commerce — Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War Book 2 (2.38.1–2.38.2), Greek & English

§2.38.1

‘καὶ μὴν καὶ τῶν πόνων πλείστας ἀναπαύλας τῇ γνώμῃ ἐπορισάμεθα, ἀγῶσι μέν γε καὶ θυσίαις διετησίοις νομίζοντες,¹ ἰδίαις δὲ κατασκευαῖς εὐπρεπέσιν, ὧν καθ’ ἡμέραν ἡ τέρψις τὸ λυπηρὸν ἐκπλήσσει.

‘Moreover, we have provided for our minds very many recreations from our labors, by celebrating games and sacrifices throughout the year, and by elegant private establishments, the daily delight of which dispels our sadness.

§2.38.2

ἐπεσέρχεται δὲ διὰ μέγεθος τῆς πόλεως ἐκ πάσης γῆς τὰ πάντα, καὶ ξυμβαίνει ἡμῖν μηδὲν οἰκειοτέρᾳ τῇ ἀπολαύσει² τὰ αὐτοῦ³ ἀγαθὰ γιγνόμενα καρποῦσθαι ἢ καὶ τὰ τῶν ἄλλων ἀνθρώπων.

And because of the greatness of our city, all things from every land flow in upon us, and it is our fortune to enjoy the goods produced at home with a relish in no way more familiar than those of other men.

Syntax notes3 items

2.38.1νομίζοντες
The participle νομίζοντες is used with the dative (ἀγῶσι... καὶ θυσίαις) in the sense of 'observing (customs/festivals) or practicing.' It functions as an adverbial participle of means modifying ἐπορισάμεθα.
2.38.2μηδὲν οἰκειοτέρᾳ τῇ ἀπολαύσει
'With an enjoyment (τῇ ἀπολαύσει) in no way more familiar/intimate (μηδὲν οἰκειοτέρᾳ).' Combined with the comparative particle ἢ, it expresses that they enjoy imported goods of other nations just as familiarly and naturally as if they were their own domestic products.
2.38.2αὐτοῦ
This is not the genitive of the personal pronoun ('of him'), but the local adverb meaning 'here, on the spot, at home.' Positioned between τὰ and ἀγαθὰ, it modifies γιγνόμενα, meaning 'the goods produced here/at home.'

Translated by Gemini 3.5 Flash (published 2026-05-25)urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0003.tlg001.humanitext-grc2:2.38.1-2.38.2