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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.
101 - Cato II: Seducers of Rome
101
Episode Length:
100:49
December 21, 2024

101 - Cato II: Seducers of Rome

Part 2 of 3, The Life of Cato the Younger.
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Cato I: A Strange Boy
100
Series
Episode Length:
89 MINUTES
November 22, 2024

Cato I: A Strange Boy

Our centennial episode! The first in a new series on the Life of Cato the Younger, Rome's great Stoic statesman.

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Discover the stories of Greco-Roman antiquity.
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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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Pyrrhus 1: Rise of a Warrior King
15
Series
Episode Length:
63 MINUTES
November 23, 2021

Pyrrhus 1: Rise of a Warrior King

Pyrrhus, the Warrior King. Father of the "Pyrrhic Victory." Get fired up by the story of his physical courage, his determination to win against great odds. Original...

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Nietzsche on the Dangers of History
14
Analysis
Episode Length:
8 MINUTES
November 16, 2021

Nietzsche on the Dangers of History

Nietzsche on how too much history can be bad.

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Plato's Mantra
13
Analysis
Episode Length:
6 MINUTES
November 9, 2021

Plato's Mantra

A brief account of the life of Plato, and how he stayed virtuous by using this ONE WEIRD trick....

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Next pair TRAILER... and How to Profit from Enemies
12
Trailer
Episode Length:
11 MINUTES
November 2, 2021

Next pair TRAILER... and How to Profit from Enemies

Announcement of the next pair of biographies. Also, Plutarch's advice on how to Profit from your enemies.

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Comparison: Sertorius and Eumenes
11
Series
Episode Length:
31 MINUTES
October 26, 2021

Comparison: Sertorius and Eumenes

In this comparison episode, we’re joined by Stephen Blackwell, President of Ralston College, Savannah, Georgia. We share Plutarch’s thoughts on the lives of Eumenes an...

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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