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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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Eumenes Aftermath and Takeaways
10
Series
Episode Length:
11 MINUTES
October 19, 2021

Eumenes Aftermath and Takeaways

What happened to Alexander's kingdom after Eumenes died? New project in development - listener input requested!

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Eumenes 3: Loyalty
9
Series
Episode Length:
61 MINUTES
October 12, 2021

Eumenes 3: Loyalty

How far are you willing to go for what you believe in? Eumenes of Kardia had the choice at many points to retire from conflict and be satrap of Cappadocia, to raise hi...

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Eumenes 2: Man of War
8
Series
Episode Length:
54 MINUTES
October 5, 2021

Eumenes 2: Man of War

From Secretary to Satrap to Warrior Lord. Eumenes was one of the few true believers in the divine monarchy of Philip and Alexander. How do you keep your head in the ...

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Eumenes 1: The King's Secretary
7
Series
Episode Length:
59 MINUTES
September 28, 2021

Eumenes 1: The King's Secretary

Eumenes stayed at the center of the greatest historical events of his age, by working hard, thinking harder, and keeping his cool. If, like Eumenes, you’re looking for...

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Rule the Sparta you got (Tranquillity Part 2)
6
Analysis
Episode Length:
7 MINUTES
September 21, 2021

Rule the Sparta you got (Tranquillity Part 2)

A story about Dionysius I of Syracuse, and some encouragements from Plutarch on how to approach other people's Lives.

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Plutarch on Tranquillity of Mind
5
Analysis
Episode Length:
5 MINUTES
September 14, 2021

Plutarch on Tranquillity of Mind

How do you keep a positive frame of mind in challenging circumstances? Troubles with loved ones, at work, with poverty, business? Try this tool, drawn from a passage...

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End of the Sertorius Story, and Takeaways
4
Series
Episode Length:
18 MINUTES
September 7, 2021

End of the Sertorius Story, and Takeaways

After Sertorius died, what happened to his men? What was his legacy? What happened to Perperna? What can we learn from the example of Sertorius? Takeaways: How ...

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Sertorius 3: Public Enemy Number One
3
Series
Episode Length:
57 MINUTES
August 31, 2021

Sertorius 3: Public Enemy Number One

Sertorius’ life provides many valuable lessons for leaders: lessons on strategy and tactics, the importance of preparation, knowing your territory, the power of trustw...

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Sertorius 2: Crisis in Rome
2
Series
Episode Length:
57 MINUTES
August 24, 2021

Sertorius 2: Crisis in Rome

Alexander Hamilton read Plutarch’s Lives, taking notes on the biographies of the founders and lawgivers of Athens, Rome, and Sparta, learning how they overcame tragedi...

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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