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Optative in main clause with ἄν: modest opinion
studieniveau:
2
εἴησαν δ’ ἄν οὗτοι Κρῆτες
‘Must have been Cretans.’ (Hdt. 1.2)
The optative with ἄν signals a modest opinion, i.e. that the speaker is certain of the reality of the action, but presents himself as uncertain. This type of optative may also be ironic.
Translation tips
In this usage the potential optative can often be translated 'can' or 'will' rather than 'could'.
Historical background
This usage is not attested before the 5th century B.C.E.
Example Sentences:
οὐκ ἂν οὖν νήσων ἔξω τῶν περιοικίδων (αὗται δὲ οὐκ ἂν πολλαὶ εἶεν) ἠπειρώτης ὢν ἐκράτει, εἰ μή τι καὶ ναυτικὸν εἶχεν
So, as a continental [power], [Agamemnon] could not have ruled without the surrounding islands (and perhaps there were not many), unless he also had a navy. [provisional translation]