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
Sertorius 3: Public Enemy Number One
Sertorius’ life provides many valuable lessons for leaders: lessons on strategy and tactics, the importance of preparation, knowing your territory, the power of trustw...
Sertorius 2: Crisis in Rome
Alexander Hamilton read Plutarch’s Lives, taking notes on the biographies of the founders and lawgivers of Athens, Rome, and Sparta, learning how they overcame tragedi...
Sertorius 1: Survival
Can biography arm you against misfortune? Beethoven turned to Plutarch when he went deaf. It may have been the story of Sertorius - the greatest Roman rebel - that in...
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.