Marius 1: Ambition
A controversial figure, Gaius Marius was a ‘new man’ (novus homo), who rose from a zero to the greatest Roman of his generation, unifying the equestrians and plebs against the senatorial nobles. Even more remarkably, Marius’ career only really took off around age 50. Thanks to sponsor ideamarket.io! (@ideamarket_io on twitter) Thanks to guest narrator GritCult (@gritcult on twitter)! Key takeaways: Learning the populist game from Scipio Africanus and the Gracchi Fitting in but staying different Acquiring a fortune and a reputation Entering Roman politics as an outsider Conciliating Rivals From Tribune, to Praetor, to Consul War with Jugurtha
The Cost Of Glory Episodes

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 ...

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...

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...
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.