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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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Xenophon, Anabasis III
55
Series
Episode Length:
58 MINUTES
February 28, 2023

Xenophon, Anabasis III

Xenophon's Anabasis Book 3 - The best highlights, the Power Highlights. For Power Listeners.In this Episode:-The power of public speaking-What Socrates told Xenophon b...

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Xenophon, Anabasis II
54
Series
Episode Length:
52 MINUTES
February 14, 2023

Xenophon, Anabasis II

Best highlights, power quotes, and notes from a leadership and adventure classic, Xenophon's Anabasis 2. Featuring:-Deciding who won a battle-How to deceive the wise-...

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Xenophon, Anabasis I
53
Series
Episode Length:
43 MINUTES
January 31, 2023

Xenophon, Anabasis I

Best highlights, power quotes, and notes from a leadership and adventure classic, Xenophon's Anabasis 1. Featuring: -How to get people to take real risks on your b...

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When it Clicks that You can Do This
52
Analysis
Episode Length:
17 MINUTES
January 17, 2023

When it Clicks that You can Do This

The moment when someone obscure and untested realizes, in a crisis, that they can handle this. An autobiographical story from someone who was both a great writer and ...

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Win like the Santa of Power (Christmas Special)
51
Analysis
Episode Length:
12 MINUTES
December 21, 2022

Win like the Santa of Power (Christmas Special)

Persevere when you are surrounded by enemies, like the other Santa Claus, Saint Basil of Caesarea. A Christmas special, from the Cost of Glory.

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How to Botch a Conspiracy
50
Analysis
Episode Length:
11 MINUTES
December 6, 2022

How to Botch a Conspiracy

A Spartan story about a conspiracy. Whether it's a hostile corporate takeover, a plot to overthrow a president, or a school board coup, how do you make sure your cons...

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Prosper and Succeed with Spartan Realpietik
49
Analysis
Episode Length:
10 MINUTES
November 15, 2022

Prosper and Succeed with Spartan Realpietik

How do you buy yourself some time when you can't afford to tell people the reason why? A strategy used by a Spartan commander, Dercylidas. Brought to you by the Gree...

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Comparison: Lysander and Sulla
48
Series
Episode Length:
27 MINUTES
November 1, 2022

Comparison: Lysander and Sulla

How should we look at the lives of “problematic” great figures? Join us as we join the ancient philosopher Plutarch, in sizing up two incredible men of action. Who w...

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Sulla: Five Takeaways. And Aftermath.
47
Series
Episode Length:
16 MINUTES
October 18, 2022

Sulla: Five Takeaways. And Aftermath.

Mass murderer or brilliant patriot? Whatever your take on Sulla, it's worth analyzing the qualities that made him a joy to his friends, and a terror to his enemies.

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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