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

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

Plato on how to Destroy an Aristocracy
Plato gives insight on how to undermine your enemies

How to get lucky when the gods are against you
How to turn bad luck around. SPOILER: it's not just more effort. Stories of Timotheus and Sulla.
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.