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Knowledge from the Ancients

My name is Alex Petkas and it is my mission to bring the wisdom of Plutarch — historian, philosopher, literary artist — to modern audiences.
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Explore Our Latest Episodes

Dive into the stories of ancient greatness.
107 - Caesar 1: Man of Destiny
107
Episode Length:
113:52
April 8, 2025

107 - Caesar 1: Man of Destiny

The much awaited series on Julius Caesar begins, with the inaugural episode: "Man of Destiny".

A tale of charm, audacity, and calculated risk as a young aristocrat from a modest branch of an ancient family navigates the treacherous waters of late Republican politics. Caesar—stylish, charismatic, deeply in debt, and dangerously ambitious—sets himself against the legacy of Sulla while methodically building a coalition that would eventually transform Rome forever.

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The New Indiana Jones - w/ Dr. Brent Seales
106
Episode Length:
51:17
March 23, 2025

The New Indiana Jones - w/ Dr. Brent Seales

A conversation with Dr. Brent Seales, professor of computer science at the University of Kentucky and a modern day Indiana Jones who has been using advanced technology to restore and redeem cultural and historical artifacts from the ravages of time.
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Discover the stories of Greco-Roman antiquity.
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Plutarch on Listening to Podcasts
24
Analysis
Episode Length:
8 MINUTES
February 1, 2022

Plutarch on Listening to Podcasts

Why did Plutarch write biographies? What does one hope to get out of a biography podcast?

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Odysseus' advice to proud young men
23
Analysis
Episode Length:
7 MINUTES
January 25, 2022

Odysseus' advice to proud young men

Plutarch reads the Odyssey

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Vice and the Cold Jacket
22
Analysis
Episode Length:
7 MINUTES
January 18, 2022

Vice and the Cold Jacket

A winter message from Plutarch

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Being the Octopus
21
Analysis
Episode Length:
6 MINUTES
January 11, 2022

Being the Octopus

Plutarch on what the octopus, and the mythic figure Proteus (who King Menelaus met on his way back from Troy) can tell us about friendship.

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On Having Even More Friends
20
Analysis
Episode Length:
6 MINUTES
January 4, 2022

On Having Even More Friends

Coming back to Plutarch's essay on having many friends, with remarks from Zeuxis, Chilon, and Thucydides

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On Having Many Friends
19
Analysis
Episode Length:
6 MINUTES
December 28, 2021

On Having Many Friends

A quote and meditation from Plutarch's On Having Many Friends.

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Christmas Episode
18
Analysis
Episode Length:
9 MINUTES
December 14, 2021

Christmas Episode

Merry Christmas (etc.) from Ancient Life Coach. The historical aftermath of Pyrrhus' death, and some thoughts on gift giving.

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Pyrrhus 3: Battle for Greece
17
Series
Episode Length:
66 MINUTES
December 7, 2021

Pyrrhus 3: Battle for Greece

Pyrrhus made his mark by cultivating an almost maniacal focus on winning in battle - he had a lust for combat. In doing so, he won for himself long lasting glory. Pyrr...

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Pyrrhus 2: Men and Beasts
16
Series
Episode Length:
65 MINUTES
November 30, 2021

Pyrrhus 2: Men and Beasts

Pyrrhus challenges the Romans. History is full of examples of ambitious leaders who achieved great things. And conversely it features eminent leaders who dreamed ...

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History Contains Power

My name is Alex Petkas, and in The Cost of Glory, I present you with the best stories, analyses and takeaways, from the greatest and most influential figures from Greco-Roman antiquity.

Listener Feedback

We’re all thinking about the Roman Empire...

If you haven’t heard it yet, I encourage you to give a listen to @costofglory’s podcast on Spotify. He’s doing very good work on Plutarch and Xenophon.

Proudly the top 0.5% fan of @costofglory, who expanded my ancient history knowledge. Man, there's a lot to learn, but I'm happy to learn as much as I can

The Attenborough of History @costofglory

If you haven't heard you need to hop on this train because you're missing out

I absolutely love the podcast!!! I’ve been listening thru for the last few weeks. It’s so heartening to see these stories being put out in such an accessible and gripping way. And new too! I remember just a few years ago was impossible to find audio/internet sources!

Gallic Wars I - Caesar's Chance by @costofglory

Far too few know about this excellent history and ancient wisdom show.

The Attenborough of History @costofglory

If you haven't heard you need to hop on this train because you're missing out

Cost of Glory is so f'ing amazing.

Your story telling ability is amazing!!! Have listened to every episode 2x now.  I keep getting more and more! Best podcast out!

As a fan of Hardcore History, Martrymade, and History On Fire podcasts - THE COST OF GLORY podcast with @costofglory is worthy of your blood 🩸⚔️

Thank you for all your hard work. Cost of Glory is such a . great source of history and entertainment 🎉

@JasonMcHughq7g

I think you give Morgan Freeman beat for the perfect voice for a narrator! I wih you would read the Bible for audio tapes!!

@samright4661

This podcast is easily one of the best I’ve come across. I would even go so far as it’s better than the Rome podcast by Mike Duncan

@benmills7731

Just discovered this channel and on part 3, love it just love it thank you

@Craig-15q

Great episode an fantastic quality all round. New subscriber here.

@tiptoptechno

6k subs? love this guy..

@Majeerteenia

Hey, the visual are getting way better!

@Stoic_Zoomer

Excellent production!

@tiptoptechno