Pyrrhus 2: Men and Beasts
Pyrrhus challenges the Romans. History is full of examples of ambitious leaders who achieved great things. And conversely it features eminent leaders who dreamed big but failed to deliver. So, on which side of history will Pyrrhus, King of Epirus sit? Key takeaways: The cost of following your dreams Showing respect for your adversary Winning wars without resorting to violence (sometimes) Letting your strengths guide your decisions
The Cost Of Glory Episodes

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...

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...

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