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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.
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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Xenophon, Anabasis VII
64
Series
Episode Length:
77 MINUTES
May 30, 2023

Xenophon, Anabasis VII

The Finale: Xenophon's Anabasis, book 7 of 7.  Highlights for the High Life. In this episode:-Sailing to Byzantium -How to Tame a Mob -Spartan Indecision-Drinking more...

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Xenophon, Anabasis VI
63
Series
Episode Length:
60 MINUTES
May 16, 2023

Xenophon, Anabasis VI

Highlights from Book 6 of Xenophon's AnabasisIn this episode:-Drinking parties, War Dances -Why every modern gentleman should sacrifice to the gods-How to gracefully d...

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Xenophon, Anabasis V
62
Series
Episode Length:
54 MINUTES
May 2, 2023

Xenophon, Anabasis V

Xenophon, Anabasis 5.  #1 Highlights for Life Success.  In this episode: -Fending off chaos in all its forms -Dealing with a power vacuum -The Source of the Golden Fle...

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Agesilaus: Takeaways & Next Actions
61
Series
Episode Length:
22 MINUTES
April 25, 2023

Agesilaus: Takeaways & Next Actions

Top 4 takeaways from the life of Agesilaus.  Also, further reading:Plutarch, "On Sparta": https://amzn.to/3Ni3RaO-Cornelius Nepos, Lives of the Great Commanders (trans...

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Agesilaus III: The Fire Breathers
60
Series
Episode Length:
79 MINUTES
April 14, 2023

Agesilaus III: The Fire Breathers

Agesilaus, old King of Sparta, faces his final enemy, and greatest foe of all: the Theban commander Epaminondas.MapKey People: Agesilaus, king of Sparta Demaratus, kin...

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Agesilaus II: The Spartan Supremacy
59
Series
Episode Length:
86 MINUTES
April 4, 2023

Agesilaus II: The Spartan Supremacy

Sparta's greatest king, from his grandest moments, to his most challenging setbacks.  394-371 BC.In this episode:-Isolating your enemies-Working through intermediaries...

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Agesilaus I: Persian Expedition
58
Series
Episode Length:
88 MINUTES
March 28, 2023

Agesilaus I: Persian Expedition

The story of Sparta's greatest king. Sponsors: -The Excellent How To Take Over The World Podcast;  -Ancient Life Coach Rome Retreat In This Episode:-Inspiration from a...

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Xenophon: Anabasis IV
57
Series
Episode Length:
50 MINUTES
March 14, 2023

Xenophon: Anabasis IV

Xenophon's Anabasis 4: The best parts of all, with analysis for action. Thanks to our sponsor, Ancient Language Institute!https://ancientlanguage.com/register-greek/--...

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CoG in Conversation: Ben Wilson
56
Interview
Episode Length:
30 MINUTES
March 8, 2023

CoG in Conversation: Ben Wilson

Apply for the Rome Retreat: https://ancientlifecoach.com/retreatAnnouncing a new partnership!Alex gets interviewed by Ben Wilson of How to Take Over the WorldIn this e...

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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