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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 V
62
Series
Episode Length:
54 MINUTES
May 2, 2023

Xenophon, Anabasis V

Xenophon, Anabasis 5.  #1 Highlights for Life Success.  In this episode: -Fending off chaos in all its forms -Dealing with a power vacuum -The Source of the Golden Fle...

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Agesilaus: Takeaways & Next Actions
61
Series
Episode Length:
22 MINUTES
April 25, 2023

Agesilaus: Takeaways & Next Actions

Top 4 takeaways from the life of Agesilaus.  Also, further reading:Plutarch, "On Sparta": https://amzn.to/3Ni3RaO-Cornelius Nepos, Lives of the Great Commanders (trans...

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Agesilaus III: The Fire Breathers
60
Series
Episode Length:
79 MINUTES
April 14, 2023

Agesilaus III: The Fire Breathers

Agesilaus, old King of Sparta, faces his final enemy, and greatest foe of all: the Theban commander Epaminondas.MapKey People: Agesilaus, king of Sparta Demaratus, kin...

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Agesilaus II: The Spartan Supremacy
59
Series
Episode Length:
86 MINUTES
April 4, 2023

Agesilaus II: The Spartan Supremacy

Sparta's greatest king, from his grandest moments, to his most challenging setbacks.  394-371 BC.In this episode:-Isolating your enemies-Working through intermediaries...

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Agesilaus I: Persian Expedition
58
Series
Episode Length:
88 MINUTES
March 28, 2023

Agesilaus I: Persian Expedition

The story of Sparta's greatest king. Sponsors: -The Excellent How To Take Over The World Podcast;  -Ancient Life Coach Rome Retreat In This Episode:-Inspiration from a...

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Xenophon: Anabasis IV
57
Series
Episode Length:
50 MINUTES
March 14, 2023

Xenophon: Anabasis IV

Xenophon's Anabasis 4: The best parts of all, with analysis for action. Thanks to our sponsor, Ancient Language Institute!https://ancientlanguage.com/register-greek/--...

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CoG in Conversation: Ben Wilson
56
Interview
Episode Length:
30 MINUTES
March 8, 2023

CoG in Conversation: Ben Wilson

Apply for the Rome Retreat: https://ancientlifecoach.com/retreatAnnouncing a new partnership!Alex gets interviewed by Ben Wilson of How to Take Over the WorldIn this e...

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Xenophon, Anabasis III
55
Series
Episode Length:
58 MINUTES
February 28, 2023

Xenophon, Anabasis III

Xenophon's Anabasis Book 3 - The best highlights, the Power Highlights. For Power Listeners.In this Episode:-The power of public speaking-What Socrates told Xenophon b...

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Xenophon, Anabasis II
54
Series
Episode Length:
52 MINUTES
February 14, 2023

Xenophon, Anabasis II

Best highlights, power quotes, and notes from a leadership and adventure classic, Xenophon's Anabasis 2. Featuring:-Deciding who won a battle-How to deceive the wise-...

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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.

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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

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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