g
An icon of a Roman structure. This shape response to the mouse movement on desktop only.

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.
Listen
Episode Gallic Wass eight finale profile image.
Podcast

Explore Our Latest Episodes

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.
Listen Now
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.

Listen Now
Archive

Explore Our Podcast Episodes

Discover the stories of Greco-Roman antiquity.
View all
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
The Best Stoic Sentences
80
Analysis
Episode Length:
31 MINUTES
January 30, 2024

The Best Stoic Sentences

A method for reading that can transform your life.W/ help from Dana Gioia, California Poet Laureate, Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts 2003-2009.Get his new bo...

Listen Now
Spencer Klavan: Why Achilles Plays the Lyre
79
Interview
Episode Length:
60 MINUTES
January 17, 2024

Spencer Klavan: Why Achilles Plays the Lyre

Why does Achilles, slaughterer of men, play the lyre? A conversation with Spencer Klavan of the Young Heretics podcast. Check out the Cost of Glory Men's Leadership Re...

Listen Now
Lucullus III: Betrayal
78
Series
Episode Length:
71 MINUTES
January 2, 2024

Lucullus III: Betrayal

The fall and political struggles of the great Lucullus, rival of Pompey and Caesar.Cost of Glory Men's Retreat 2024 application open! - costofglory.com/retreat Thanks ...

Listen Now
Lucullus II: Armenia
77
Series
Episode Length:
62 MINUTES
December 19, 2023

Lucullus II: Armenia

Lucullus drives Mithridates out of Pontus, and war escalatesIn this episode:-The power of concentration-Nothing is more important than sleep-Bold Barbarian Queens-The ...

Listen Now
Lucullus I: Starvation
76
Series
Episode Length:
65 MINUTES
December 12, 2023

Lucullus I: Starvation

Lucullus, Conqueror of Armenia.  Highlights from Plutarch's biography of the great foe of PompeyCost of Glory Men's Retreat 2024 application open! - costofglory.com/re...

Listen Now
How to Turn People Down (or, "On Cringe")
75
Analysis
Episode Length:
21 MINUTES
November 28, 2023

How to Turn People Down (or, "On Cringe")

The vice of "dysopia" brings down even the strongest.  Plutarch gives some advice on how to fortify ourselves against it. Reach out to alex@ancientlifecoach.com for mo...

Listen Now
Crassus Aftermath, Takeaways, Sources
74
Series
Episode Length:
20 MINUTES
November 17, 2023

Crassus Aftermath, Takeaways, Sources

What happened to Crassus' captured soldiers?  To his family?  What can we learn from his successes and his world-historic failure?  ANNOUNCEMENT! Cost of Glory Men's L...

Listen Now
Crassus III: Battle of Carrhae
73
Series
Episode Length:
86 MINUTES
October 28, 2023

Crassus III: Battle of Carrhae

Crassus' famous campaign against the Parthians - what motivated it?  What happened at Carrhae?  What can we learn from it?Thanks to our Sponsor!Ancient Language Instit...

Listen Now
Crassus II: Puppet Master
72
Series
Episode Length:
74 MINUTES
October 5, 2023

Crassus II: Puppet Master

Marcus Licinius Crassus, Richest Man in Rome.  The plot thickens in the contest with Pompey, and Crassus takes on new allies: Catiline and Julius Caesar.In this episod...

Listen Now

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.

Subscribe Now

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.

Athens_Stranger

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

ElijahJJJOlson

The Attenborough of History @costofglory

If you haven't heard you need to hop on this train because you're missing out

ktor_h

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!

psalmist

Gallic Wars I - Caesar's Chance by @costofglory

Far too few know about this excellent history and ancient wisdom show.

FarmerKulak

The Attenborough of History @costofglory

If you haven't heard you need to hop on this train because you're missing out

ktor_h

Cost of Glory is so f'ing amazing.

radiolooper

Your story telling ability is amazing!!! Have listened to every episode 2x now.  I keep getting more and more! Best podcast out!

JStark for the win!

As a fan of Hardcore History, Martrymade, and History On Fire podcasts - THE COST OF GLORY podcast with @costofglory is worthy of your blood 🩸⚔️

.thejass.

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