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

Sulla 1: The Lucky
How do we get Fortune on our side? What are the qualities necessary for daring unthinkable, unspeakable acts? When is it justifiable to massacre your enemies? Sulla...

An uncommon strategy for mastering fear
A principle for building exercises to control your anxiety or fear. Favorinus, a philosopher from the time of Plutarch, offers some deft observations about Socrates.

Get Friendships with Powerful People
Plutarch offers insight on relating to people above your station
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.