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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.
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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Get Friendships with Powerful People
42
Analysis
Episode Length:
6 MINUTES
August 24, 2022

Get Friendships with Powerful People

Plutarch offers insight on relating to people above your station

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Plato on how to Destroy an Aristocracy
41
Analysis
Episode Length:
7 MINUTES
August 9, 2022

Plato on how to Destroy an Aristocracy

Plato gives insight on how to undermine your enemies

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How to get lucky when the gods are against you
40
Analysis
Episode Length:
6 MINUTES
July 20, 2022

How to get lucky when the gods are against you

How to turn bad luck around. SPOILER: it's not just more effort. Stories of Timotheus and Sulla.

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Lysander Aftermath: or, How to Keep Fighting
39
Series
Episode Length:
13 MINUTES
July 5, 2022

Lysander Aftermath: or, How to Keep Fighting

What happened after Lysander died? What was his legacy? What can we learn from his life?

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Lysander 3: Kings of Sparta
38
Series
Episode Length:
68 MINUTES
June 21, 2022

Lysander 3: Kings of Sparta

Lysander returns from his setbacks at Sparta with a revolutionary plan. He consults the gods about the Spartan Kingship; and some of his own prophecies about Greek ge...

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Lysander 2: Thirty Tyrants
37
Series
Episode Length:
72 MINUTES
June 14, 2022

Lysander 2: Thirty Tyrants

Lysander - The Spartan who took down Athens. In this episode: the dangers of success. How (and why) Lysander installed the notorious "Thirty" at Athens, and how he...

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Lysander 1: Death of Democracy
36
Series
Episode Length:
71 MINUTES
June 7, 2022

Lysander 1: Death of Democracy

A Spartan; first Greek honored as a god during his lifetime; destroyer of Athenian naval supremacy. In this episode: his rise to power, how he pulled off the greate...

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Socrates on Public Shaming
35
Analysis
Episode Length:
7 MINUTES
May 24, 2022

Socrates on Public Shaming

A story about how Socrates reacted when he got publicly shamed.

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Harry Truman on Plutarch
34
Analysis
Episode Length:
7 MINUTES
May 10, 2022

Harry Truman on Plutarch

Harry Truman was a great admirer of Plutarch's lives, and recommended them often. He discusses why. Quotes taken from Miller's oral biography of Truman, "Plain S...

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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