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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.
108 - Caesar 2: Law & Nature
108
Episode Length:
130:03
May 10, 2025

108 - Caesar 2: Law & Nature

Part 2 of 3 of the Life of Julius Caesar. In this episode:Caesar forms the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus, uniting Rome's most powerful menHis revolutionary consulship of 59 BCE bypasses Senate opposition through popular assembliesThe brilliant staging of the Gallic conquest, using allies and tribal conflicts as pretexts for expansionHis management of Rome through letters while commanding armies across GaulThe death of Julia and Crassus fractures the political alliance holding Rome togetherVercingetorix's rebellion culminates in the decisive siege of Alesia, securing Gaul for RomeCaesar transforms both Rome and Gaul forever through calculated strategy, personal magnetism, and relentless ambition—all while his enemies in Rome, led by Cato, plot his downfall and convince Pompey to turn against him, setting the stage for civil war.
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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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Discover the stories of Greco-Roman antiquity.
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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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Sulla III: Vengeance
46
Series
Episode Length:
72 MINUTES
October 4, 2022

Sulla III: Vengeance

How do you keep your team together in a civil conflict? Can a country right itself by warring with itself? What are the limits to which one man will go to punish his...

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Sulla 2: Rogue Commander
45
Series
Episode Length:
70 MINUTES
September 27, 2022

Sulla 2: Rogue Commander

How does a great commander handle being undermined by his government back home? How should we treat opponents we defeat? And how do we negotiate the best deal when o...

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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