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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.
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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On Progress : Against Stoicism
99
Analysis
Episode Length:
22 MINUTES
November 6, 2024

On Progress : Against Stoicism

How to make progress, and know it.  Featuring a few of Plutarch's critiques of some Stoics of his day - whether fairly or unfairly, you can decide. Also featuring: Diogenes the Cynic ...

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Heroes are Dangerous: Rousseau & Nietzsche with Johnathan Bi
90
Interview
Episode Length:
81 MINUTES
June 12, 2024

Heroes are Dangerous: Rousseau & Nietzsche with Johnathan Bi

Johnathan Bi left success in the startup world to focus on researching the deep ideas that power the world, and has recently launched his series on the Great Books of ...

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A Manual for Greatness — with Johnny Burtka
89
Interview
Episode Length:
60 MINUTES
June 7, 2024

A Manual for Greatness — with Johnny Burtka

An interview with Johnny Burtka, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. He is a graduate of Hillsdale College, and his mos...

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Mysteries of the Scrolls — with Nat Friedman
88
Interview
Episode Length:
57 MINUTES
May 30, 2024

Mysteries of the Scrolls — with Nat Friedman

An interview with Nat Friedman, former CEO of GitHub and creator of the Vesuvius Challenge, which aims to crack the riddles of the Herculaneum Papyri.In this episode:T...

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Pursuing Greatness — with Pano Kanelos
87
Interview
Episode Length:
51 MINUTES
May 21, 2024

Pursuing Greatness — with Pano Kanelos

An interview with Pano Kanelos, the founding president of the University of Austin and the former President of St. John’s College, Annapolis.In this episode:How foundi...

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Pompey: Aftermath, Comparison w/ Spartan King Agesilaus
86
Series
Episode Length:
40 MINUTES
May 8, 2024

Pompey: Aftermath, Comparison w/ Spartan King Agesilaus

In which we follow the lead of Plutarch and study Pompey's character and analyze what we can learn from the life of Pompey the Great, by comparing him to King Agesilau...

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Pompey III: Fields of Pharsalus
85
Series
Episode Length:
120 MINUTES
April 30, 2024

Pompey III: Fields of Pharsalus

Life of Pompey Part 3 of 3: Pompey's final rise to the heights of Roman power, his war with his friend Julius Caesar, and his final downfall.  People:(M. Tullius) Cice...

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Pompey II: Empire of Venus
84
Series
Episode Length:
109 MINUTES
April 9, 2024

Pompey II: Empire of Venus

Pompey becomes Rome’s greatest conqueror, and empire builder, but faces even greater trials back home in Rome.  People Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, "Pompey the Great"Sulla ...

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Pompey I: Kid Butcher
83
Series
Episode Length:
83 MINUTES
March 19, 2024

Pompey I: Kid Butcher

Pompey, the Great.  Part 1 of 3.  Pompey's rise to become one of Rome's greatest generals - before he's even old enough to hold office.  How he got the nickname of "Ki...

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How to Tell a Flatterer From a Friend
82
Analysis
Episode Length:
31 MINUTES
February 29, 2024

How to Tell a Flatterer From a Friend

Check out Ralston College's FUNDED MA program: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma !...Plutarch offers some advice on how to choose your friends, and how to be a good...

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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