
Cost of Glory
The most influential biographies ever written, admired by leaders, creators, soldiers, and thinkers for nearly 2,000 years: Plutarch’s Parallel lives. Essential listening for anyone striving after greatness. Alex Petkas, former professor of ancient philosophy and history, revives and dramatically retells these unforgettable stories for modern audiences. The subjects are statesmen, generals, orators, and founders; pious and profane, stoics and hedonists. The stakes bear on the future of Western civilization. The cost of glory is always great. Visit costofglory.com to find out more.
Latest episodes

Jul 27, 2023 • 14min
69 - How to Praise Oneself Inoffensively
You know you want to do it. But how? Plutarch offers a few key examples.

Jul 11, 2023 • 51min
68 - Catiline III: The Last Stand
The podcast explores Rome's Catilinarian conspiracy in 63 BC, highlighting the sad state of the city and the reasons behind the conspiracy. It discusses wealth inequality, the lack of self-restraint in politics, and the legitimacy of Catiline's cause. The podcast also discusses sparing the wicked, escape attempts, and fiery speeches. It delves into the Battle of Pistoia and Catiline's last stand, as well as the bravery and sacrifice displayed by his army.

15 snips
Jul 4, 2023 • 41min
67 - Catiline II: Cicero's Moment
Get into one of the great moments of history - highlights from Cicero's speech Against Catiline. Featuring a quote or two from the original Latin.

8 snips
Jun 22, 2023 • 1h 10min
66 - Catiline I: Rome's Deadliest Conspiracy
The Conspiracy to overthrow the Roman Republic at the height of its power. Catiline and his associates challenge Cicero and Cato. Rumors were that Crassus and Caesar were involved... Part I: Highlights from Sallust's War with Catiline.ANNOUNCING - New Megaseries: Visions of Caesar. I am beginning an arc on the biographies of all the most prominent of the era of Caesar, including The Man himself. Crassus, Pompey, Cato, Caesar, Cicero, Brutus, Antony.

9 snips
Jun 14, 2023 • 59min
65 - Seneca, The Madness of Hercules
The Greatest hero of all, Hercules - told by Seneca: Billionaire, Politician, Stoic Philosopher, and... Tragic Playwright.Highlights and power quotes from Seneca's "The Madness of Hercules": in a new, brilliant, poetic translation by one of America's great poets, Dana GioiaGet a copy here: https://amzn.to/42TEUqJ(and support the show thereby)More about Dana Gioia and his work here:https://danagioia.com/

4 snips
May 31, 2023 • 1h 17min
64 - Xenophon, Anabasis VII
The Finale: Xenophon's Anabasis, book 7 of 7. Highlights for the High Life. In this episode:-Sailing to Byzantium -How to Tame a Mob -Spartan Indecision-Drinking more wine from big horns with dangerous men -Raiding with Thracians -Fire attack at night -How to lose a good friend for good -What all gyms should aspire to be like -The importance of keeping your horse

8 snips
May 16, 2023 • 1h
63 - Xenophon, Anabasis VI
Highlights from Book 6 of Xenophon's AnabasisIn this episode:-Drinking parties, War Dances -Why every modern gentleman should sacrifice to the gods-How to gracefully decline a promotion -Hercules in Hell-On keeping the Fellowship together-Isolated sheep rustling incident threatens to start an international war -The value of a cool head

7 snips
May 2, 2023 • 54min
62 - 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 Fleece -The BEST way to spend Sacred Funds (Hint: Real Estate) -Artemis and her 7 wonders Temple at Ephesus (cult statue here)-Sampling Local Delicacies (as always) -Pale white children as wide as they are tall-Dreams of city founding-The metaphysical basis of international law-Xenophon, hubris, and soldier punchingDon't forget to follow @costofglory on Twitter for updates and additional takeawaysAlso - Leave a review if you like this!

Apr 25, 2023 • 22min
61 - 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. Quintus Curtius): https://amzn.to/3AtrqpO-Xenophon, Hellenica: https://amzn.to/41YXmOx -Steven Pressfield, Gates of Fire (historical novel): https://amzn.to/3V0gCsH-Paul Cartledge, Agesilaos and the Crisis of Sparta: https://amzn.to/3L3Wj9d-John Buckler, Theban Hegemony:https://amzn.to/3Lonc98-James Romm, The Sacred Band:https://amzn.to/3L1WoKA-Charles Hamilton, Agesilaus and the Failure of Spartan Hegemony: https://amzn.to/3oDn38PHow to Take Over the World Podcast: Philip of Macedon

7 snips
Apr 14, 2023 • 1h 19min
60 - 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, king of Sparta Artaxerxes, King of Persia Epaminondas, Theban Statesman Pelopidas, Theban Statesman Antalcidas Xenophon, the Philosopher-warrior Gryllus, son of Xenophon Nectanebo, Pharaoh of Egypt Menelaus, king of Sparta Key Places: Sparta Thebes Leuctra Athens Corinth Arcadia Mantinea Tegea Elis Achaea Mt. Taygetos Eurotas River Messenia Kalamata Messene Mt. Ithome Pamisos River / Valley Megalopolis Olympia Egypt