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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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Podcast

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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How to Tell a Flatterer From a Friend
82
Analysis
Episode Length:
31 MINUTES
February 29, 2024

How to Tell a Flatterer From a Friend

Check out Ralston College's FUNDED MA program: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma !...Plutarch offers some advice on how to choose your friends, and how to be a good...

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Spartacus — with Barry Strauss
81
Interview
Episode Length:
51 MINUTES
February 13, 2024

Spartacus — with Barry Strauss

An interview with Barry Strauss, Spartacus expert, and author of The Spartacus WarIn this episode: -How Spartacus' Slave revolt almost failed in its early stages-Overc...

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The Best Stoic Sentences
80
Analysis
Episode Length:
31 MINUTES
January 30, 2024

The Best Stoic Sentences

A method for reading that can transform your life.W/ help from Dana Gioia, California Poet Laureate, Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts 2003-2009.Get his new bo...

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Spencer Klavan: Why Achilles Plays the Lyre
79
Interview
Episode Length:
60 MINUTES
January 17, 2024

Spencer Klavan: Why Achilles Plays the Lyre

Why does Achilles, slaughterer of men, play the lyre? A conversation with Spencer Klavan of the Young Heretics podcast. Check out the Cost of Glory Men's Leadership Re...

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Lucullus III: Betrayal
78
Series
Episode Length:
71 MINUTES
January 2, 2024

Lucullus III: Betrayal

The fall and political struggles of the great Lucullus, rival of Pompey and Caesar.Cost of Glory Men's Retreat 2024 application open! - costofglory.com/retreat Thanks ...

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Lucullus II: Armenia
77
Series
Episode Length:
62 MINUTES
December 19, 2023

Lucullus II: Armenia

Lucullus drives Mithridates out of Pontus, and war escalatesIn this episode:-The power of concentration-Nothing is more important than sleep-Bold Barbarian Queens-The ...

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Lucullus I: Starvation
76
Series
Episode Length:
65 MINUTES
December 12, 2023

Lucullus I: Starvation

Lucullus, Conqueror of Armenia.  Highlights from Plutarch's biography of the great foe of PompeyCost of Glory Men's Retreat 2024 application open! - costofglory.com/re...

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How to Turn People Down (or, "On Cringe")
75
Analysis
Episode Length:
21 MINUTES
November 28, 2023

How to Turn People Down (or, "On Cringe")

The vice of "dysopia" brings down even the strongest.  Plutarch gives some advice on how to fortify ourselves against it. Reach out to alex@ancientlifecoach.com for mo...

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Crassus Aftermath, Takeaways, Sources
74
Series
Episode Length:
20 MINUTES
November 17, 2023

Crassus Aftermath, Takeaways, Sources

What happened to Crassus' captured soldiers?  To his family?  What can we learn from his successes and his world-historic failure?  ANNOUNCEMENT! Cost of Glory Men's L...

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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