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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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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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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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Sertorius 1: Survival
1
Series
Episode Length:
51 MINUTES
August 17, 2021

Sertorius 1: Survival

Can biography arm you against misfortune? Beethoven turned to Plutarch when he went deaf. It may have been the story of Sertorius - the greatest Roman rebel - that in...

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Introducing The Cost of Glory
0
Trailer
Episode Length:
2 MINUTES
August 6, 2021

Introducing The Cost of Glory

Introducing The Cost of Glory, launching August 2021. For more information, visit https://ancientlifecoach.com

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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