The Cost of Glory

Thanks to our sponsor, Ai Labs.  Visit austinlab.ai to chat with a team member about custom Agentic AI power solutions for your SMB to Enterprise level business.  Powered by Shokworks.Also Thanks Dr. Richard Johnson, the Crassus to this Caesar series!The much awaited series on Julius Caesar begins, with the inaugural episode: "Man of Destiny".In this episode:Caesar's formative years in the shadow of Sulla's dictatorshipHis early political boldness and refusal to divorce CorneliaThe capture by pirates and his merciless revengeCaesar's rise through the ranks of Roman politics as Quaestor and AedileThe Catilinarian conspiracy and Caesar's narrow escape from executionHis famous ambition: "I would rather be first man here than second at Rome"A tale of charm, audacity, and calculated risk as a young aristocrat from a modest branch of an ancient family navigates the treacherous waters of late Republican politics. Caesar—stylish, charismatic, deeply in debt, and dangerously ambitious—sets himself against the legacy of Sulla while methodically building a coalition that would eventually transform Rome forever.

A conversation with Dr. Brent Seales, professor of computer science at the University of Kentucky and a modern day Indiana Jones who has been using advanced technology to restore and redeem cultural and historical artifacts from the ravages of time.In this episode:The 'virtual unwrapping' of the Vesuvius scrollsUnearthing an entire new RenaissanceBrent's encounters with Silicon Valley and some DOGE membersThe long-term future of this project

Join us this summer for our Men's Retreat in Greece - June 8-15.  Click here for more info. Apply soon, space is limited!https://costofglory.com/retreatA conversation w/ Kevin Dolan on Kings of Sparta, Anti-Natalist Roman Aristocrats, and whether Christianity destroyed or saved Rome.Join me at the Natal Conference, March 28-29, 2025, in Austin, TX!  https://natalism.orgFind Kevin on X at https://x.com/extradeadjcb

A conversation with Doyle Glass, author of Swift Sword, The True Story of the Marines of MIKE 3/5 in Vietnam, 4 September 1967.  Intro Story featuring BlackJack Mulligan.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackjack_Mulligan)In this episode:Mastering Fear in CombatA lawyer's journey to becoming an artist and an authorThe ambush begins: "The tree line stood up"Clear headed leadership of Lieutenant MurrayThe heroic Father CapodannoLarry Peters' Sacrifice to Save His SquadThe powerful psychology of accepting death in combat"With the Old Breed" war classic by Eugene SledgeMan of Mystery Robert Benoist

Thanks to our sponsor SensAi (https://sens.ai/): a neurofeedback brain training system that can change your life.  I'm a user.Use the code GLORY at checkout to get a $100 off discount on one of their headsetsCato's Afterlife, Takeaways, Sources.Some Modern Sources:Rome's Last Citizen, by Goodman and SoniUncommon Wrath, by OsgoodCato the Younger by Drogula

The Finale, of the life of Cato the Younger. In this episode:The burning of the Senate house after Clodius' murder in 52 BCECato's failed bid for consulship and his hardline stance against CaesarThe outbreak of civil war and Caesar's crossing of the RubiconCato's final days and dramatic suicideA tale of principle and paradox, Cato's resolute stand for Republican values helped precipitate its own downfall. His death at Utica - dramatic, philosophical, and on his own terms - marked not just the end of his life but symbolically, the end of the Roman Republic itself. Check out Becoming the Main Character.  Here's a link to the Moby Dick episode.

Thanks to our sponsor SensAi (https://sens.ai/): a neurofeedback brain training system that can change your life.  I'm a user.Use the code GLORY at checkout to get a $100 off discount on one of their headsetsPart 2 of 3 of the Life of Cato the Younger. In this episode:Cato confronts the rising power of Caesar and Pompey in the SenateThe scandalous note from Servilia that backfired on CatoHis principled handling of the Cyprus annexation missionThe formation of the First Triumvirate and Cato's resistanceHis memorable year as Praetor and battles against corruptionThe death of Julia and Crassus sets the stage for civil warA story of political intrigue, street violence, and the struggle to preserve Republican institutions against the rising tide of populist strongmen. At the heart of it all stands Cato, refusing to compromise his principles even as Rome's political system crumbles around him.

Join us in Austin for the Cost of Glory Men's Retreat. January 23-26.  Theme: Caesar  https://costofglory.com/retreatThanks Reid Powers - who sponsors this episode in honor of his father, the late Bill Powers, past president of UT Austin.Episode 1 of the Life of Cato the Younger, Rome's great Stoic statesman.In this episode:Cato's earliest years and the murder of his uncleHis first encounter with Sulla as a precocious youthCato establishes his reputation: in military service and as QuaestorA Principled stand against Julius CaesarOn this centennial episode, I'd like to thank all of my listeners and patrons. On to the next hundred!

Fill out an application for the Cost of Glory Men's Retreat - "SELL IT LIKE CAESAR".  January 23-26th.  Apply here.  More details to follow soon.  (URL here: https://forms.costofglory.com/2025-retreat ).How to make progress, and know it.  Featuring a few of Plutarch's critiques of some Stoics of his day - whether fairly or unfairly, you can decide.Also featuring: Diogenes the Cynic, Aeschylus the Poet, Brasidas the Spartan Commander. Also featuring: ZEAL

Caesar ties all loose ends in his Gallic Campaign, in part 8, the final episode of our series on Caesar's masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico).  This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what's now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.In this episode:Final skirmishes with the Bituriges and the CarnutesSiege of a hill-fort, and Caesar takes arms (literally)Conclusion of a bloody chapter, and some takeawaysCost of Glory is an Infinite Media production — and big thanks to Dr. Richard Johnson of the great city of New York for sponsoring this episode and many others in this series! Coffee + Great Heroes of History = Imperium Coffee.  They make great roasts and are big fans of CoG - use code COSTOFGLORY when you checkout for a discount.See my favorite, Sertorius Roast - co-designed by yours truly.https://imperium.coffee/roasts/sertorius/

Caesar faces the Gallic Grande Armée through fire and snow, in part 7, the climax of our series on Caesar's masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what's now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.In this episode:Slaughterings begin at CenabumThe Incendiary Tactics of VercingetorixRebellion amongst Roman AlliesCaesar loses Gregovia……but clinches victory at AlesiaVercingetorix falls, sealing the fate of Gaul Thanks to our sponsor Shokworks ! - Shokworks provides consulting and development to offer ROI - positive, enterprise-grade custom software solutions for companies of any size.  To find out more, reach out to sales@shokworks.io or visit https://shokworks.io. 

Caesar fights through enemy tribes and orders a Purge in his manhunt for Ambiorix, in part 6 of our series on Caesar's masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what's now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.In this episode:The hunt for the crafty Ambiorix and his renegade tribeThe exploits of Titus Labienus and of Publius Sextius BaculusHints of Civil War…(and Druids and ancient cows)Thanks to Ancient Language Institute and long time CoG fan Dr. Richard Johnson for sponsoring this episode!P.S.—If you're interested in sponsoring an episode, feel free to get in touch, any support is highly appreciated as it helps me create more high quality work.

The mighty Caesar returns to Britain, and faces uprisings and deadly skirmishes in Gaul, in part 5 of our series on Caesar's masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what's now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.In this episode:Caesar's return to BritainA deep personal lossThe worst disaster of the entire Gallic Campaign

Caesar crosses two major bodies of water (and he hasn't even gotten to the Rubicon yet), in part 4 of our series on Caesar's masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what's now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.In this episode:The Suebi and their strange waysCaesar builds a bridgeCaesar's first landing in BritainSubscribe to the CoG Substack to get high quality transcripts w/ MAPS AND IMAGES. (Ep. cover art by Peter Jackson)

Cost of Glory Ecuador event Aug 22-25: https://www.nowheresummit.com/costofglory.  Apply at the link!Caesar faces enemies at home and on sea, in part 3 of our series on Caesar's masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what's now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.In this episode:Caesar faces the sea-faring people of VenetiCaesar plays political gamesShip technology, and military strategySubscribe to the CoG Substack to get high quality transcripts w/ MAPS AND IMAGES. This episode is sponsored by Ancient Language Institute. If you're interested in actually reading the newly unlocked scrolls, you will need to know the languages of the ancient world. The Ancient Language Institute will help you do just that. Registration is now open (till August 10th) for their Fall term where you can take advanced classes in Latin, Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew, and Old English.

Caesar almost loses it all, in part 2 of our series on Caesar's masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what's now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.In this episode: -A conspiracy of the powerful, warlike Belgae (Belgian tribes). -The battle of the Sabis, against the Nervii-Caesar's terrifying siege tactics Subscribe to the CoG Substack to get high quality transcripts w/ MAPS AND IMAGES.  Here's the one for this episode.This episode is sponsored by our very generous sponsor, Dr. Richard Johnson, an avid Cost of Glory listener. Thanks Richard!

The beginning of a new series on Caesar's masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic Wars (De Bello Gallico). It's a world-history making story (the conquest of what's now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.I'm having a blast revisiting this classic, and I think you will too.Subscribe to the CoG Substack to get high quality transcripts w/ MAPS AND IMAGES - here's the one for this episode.This episode is sponsored by Ancient Language Institute. If you want to be like Caesar, you should learn an ancient language (Caesar knew Greek in addition to his native Latin). The Ancient Language Institute will help you do just that. Registration is now open (till August 10th) for their Fall term where you can take advanced classes in Latin, Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew, and Old English. If you like Cost of Glory, Check out the Anthology of Heroes podcast!  Here on: Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Johnathan Bi left success in the startup world to focus on researching the deep ideas that power the world, and has recently launched his series on the Great Books of the West, starting with his lecture on Nietzsche.In this episode:What is Rousseau's impact on the world?Johnathan's Journey towards the Great Thinkers and their BooksThe Duality of Heroism & Rousseau as Hero WorshipperRousseau's balanced treatments of Nietzsche's IdeasWhy do we need Heroes?The Difference between Desire for Power and Execution of that PowerSilicon Valley Entrepreneurs and their Selfish Desire for GloryThe Hero vs. The CitizenThe Degeneration of Modern LanguagesThe Core of Nietzsche's Interest in the Great Heroes of the PastTech Startups are Non-Egalitarian!Rome Against JudeaResources mentioned:Johnathan's Interview and Lecture Series: Great Books of the WestRousseau's Discourse on This Question: Which Is the Virtue Most Necessary for a Hero and Which Are the Heroes Who Lacked This Virtue?Johnathan's NewsletterSubscribe to our Substack for transcripts and updates! Show transcript here

An interview with Johnny Burtka, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. He is a graduate of Hillsdale College, and his most recent book is titled “Gateway to Statesmanship—Selections from Xenophon to Churchill”.In this episode:The Mirrors for Princes traditionObstacles as a Ladder to GreatnessThe Potency of Xenophon's ‘Education of Cyrus'The Leadership Qualities of CyrusThe Complex Enduring Power of Cicero's ‘On Duties'Cultivating Greatness of Soul and the Magnitudo Animi of ChurchillMachiavelli as Practitioner, not Political PhilosopherWhere should an 18-year old dedicate himself to?Washington's Farewell Address as a Beautiful Political TextBooks Mentioned:Gateway to Statesmanship—Selections from Xenophon to Churchill by Johnny BurtkaEducation of Cyrus by XenophonOn Duties by CiceroThe Founders: The Story of PayPal and the Entrepreneurs Who Shaped Silicon Valley by Jimmy SoniWalking with Destiny by Andrew RobertsFor the episode transcript, be sure to subscribe to my Substack!Thanks to our sponsor Intercollegiate Studies Institute! Check out their programs on supporting quality thought and intellectual life in and after your college years.

An interview with Nat Friedman, former CEO of GitHub and creator of the Vesuvius Challenge, which aims to crack the riddles of the Herculaneum Papyri.In this episode:The Genesis of the Vesuvius ChallengeEarly Attempts to Open the ScrollsUsing a Particle Accelerator to Scan the Scrolls!Partnering with Daniel Gross and Brent SealesNat's Childhood experience with Open-source CommunitiesHow to Design Prize Incentives for a Complex ContestDoing Crazy, Strange and Risky ProjectsA Possible Resurgence of Epicureanism? This episode is sponsored by Ancient Language Institute. If you're interested in actually reading the newly unlocked scrolls, you will need to know the languages of the ancient world. The Ancient Language Institute will help you do just that. Registration is now open (till August 10th) for their Fall term where you can take advanced classes in Latin, Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew, and Old English.

An interview with Pano Kanelos, the founding president of the University of Austin and the former President of St. John's College, Annapolis.In this episode:How founding a university is like running a dinerThe flourishing of American universities in the 19th centuryHow old philosophers were men of actionThe Intellectual Foundations Program at UATXHow The Brothers Karamazov explains our current momentPursuing Greatness by finding your North StarPlutarch on self-reflectionWhy Heroes and Truth-tellers are needed when forming communitiesAnalyzing the opening scene from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

**Last minute re-opening of a few slots for the CoG Rome Retreat! **  costofglory.com/retreat  In which we follow the lead of Plutarch and study Pompey's character and analyze what we can learn from the life of Pompey the Great, by comparing him to King Agesilaus of Sparta, whom Plutarch paired him with. Sources and Further Reading for the Life of Pompey:  John Leach, Pompey the Great: https://amzn.to/3UxOsW8 Robin Seager, Pompey: a Political Biography: https://amzn.to/3UPpeUg Gareth Sampson: Rome's Great Eastern War, Lucullus, Pompey and the Conquest of the East: https://amzn.to/3wrVGD1 -The Battle of Dyrrhachium: https://amzn.to/3wp4Wro -The Battle of Pharsalus: https://amzn.to/3ULWJHk -"Rome in Crisis" Penguin edition of Plutarch: https://amzn.to/4b2WgGv  (feat. Lives of Sertorius, Lucullus, and Cato the Younger)  -"Fall of the Roman Republic" Penguin Plutarch Volume: https://amzn.to/4a7vpYw  (feat. Lives of Sulla, Crassus, Pompey, Caesar, and Cicero) 

Life of Pompey Part 3 of 3: Pompey's final rise to the heights of Roman power, his war with his friend Julius Caesar, and his final downfall.  People:(M. Tullius) Cicero (Titus Pomponius) Atticus C. Julius Caesar Cn. Pompeius Magnus (Pompey) Julia, Caesar's Daughter (M. Licinius) Crassus (L. Domitius) Ahenobarbus - Optimate Stalwart (Cos. 54) (M. Porcius) Cato "The Younger" - the Stoic (M. Calpurnius) Bibulus - Cos. 59 P. Clodius Pulcher - Populist Thug lord (T. Annius) Milo - Pompey's Thug lord M. Caelius (Rufus) - Cicero's young political analyst friend Publius Licinius Crassus - The Richest Man's Son Cornelia - Pompey's final wife (Q. Caecilius) Metellus (Pius) Scipio - Pompey's new Father in Law Aulus Gabinius - Pompey's friend, exiled after Egyptian expedition Ptolemy XII Auletes ("The Piper") - exiled king of Egypt (C. Scribonius) Curio - Optimate turncoat, Caesar's tribune M. Antonius (Mark Antony) M. Claudius Marcellus - Optimate stalwart (Cos 51) C. Claudius Marcellus - Optimate stalwart (Cos. 50, cousin of Cos. 51) M. Favonius - "Stamp, Pompey!" Senator Themistocles - Athenian statesman Camillus - 4th c. BC Roman statesman T. Labienus - Caesar's general, deserted to Pompey (M. Junius) Brutus - Future Conspirator Theophanes of Mytilene - the Historian Crassianus - Caesar's centurion at Pharsalus Cratippus of Pergamon - Philosopher at Mytilene Ptolemy XIII - Boy king of Egypt Potheinus - Ptolemy XIII's Eunuch Achillas - Ptolemy XIII's General Theodotus - Ptolemy XIII's Rhetoric Teacher Philippus - Pompey's freedman   Places: The Roman Forum The Tiber River Parthia Carrhae (Battle of) - in Mesopotamia (Parthian Empire) Gaul (Mod. France) Pompey's Theater ("Temple of Venus") Alesia (Battle of) - in Gaul Naples (Neapolis) Ravenna (N. Italy, "Cisalpine Gaul" then) Rubicon River Ariminum (Rimini) Corfinium - Italian town in the Apennines Brundisium - Eastern Port in Italy Dyrrhachium (Mod. Durrës) - in Epirus (Rom. province of Macedonia) Thessaly - large plain in central Greece Pharsalus - town in Thessaly Tempē - Valley in Thessaly Mytilene - City on island of Lesbos  Thanks to our sponsor Intercollegiate Studies Institute! www.isi.org.  Check out their programs on supporting quality thought and intellectual life in and after your college years.

Pompey becomes Rome's greatest conqueror, and empire builder, but faces even greater trials back home in Rome.  People Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, "Pompey the Great"Sulla Felix, the Dictator Pompey The Pirates Posidonius the Stoic Mithridates VI Eupator, King of Pontus Lucius Licinius Lucullus Cicero, the Orator Manilius, the Tribune Julius Caesar Theophanes of Mytilene Queen Monime Tigranes the Great of Armenia Tigranes the Younger, Prince Albani(ans) of Caucasus Iberians of Caucasus King Phraates of Parthia The Parthians Antiochus XIII, Seleucid King Aretas, King of the Nabatean Arabs Aristobulus of Judea Hyrcanus of Judea Aulus Gabinius Josephus (Jewish Historian) Marcus Licinius Crassus, Richest Man in Rome Marcus Porcius Cato (the Younger) Metellus Celer Metellus Nepos M. Calpurnius Bibulus Publius Clodius Pulcher, Slum Lord Milo Julia Domitius Ahenobarbus  Places Sicily Sardinia Corsica North Africa Rhodes Cilicia Cappadocia Galatia Armenia Artaxata  Mt Ararat Sophene Syria Bithynia Pontus Caucasus Colchis Albania (Caucasus) Iberia (Caucasus) Bosphoran Kingdom (Crimea / Azov) Damascus Petra (Arabia) Judea Jordan River Valley Jericho Jerusalem Campus Martius Alban Hills / Lake / Villa Luca Image: The Triumph of Pompey, Gabriel de Saint-Aubin, 1765. Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art Thanks to our sponsor Intercollegiate Studies Institute! www.isi.org.  Check out their programs on supporting quality thought and intellectual life in and after your college years.

Pompey, the Great.  Part 1 of 3.  Pompey's rise to become one of Rome's greatest generals - before he's even old enough to hold office.  How he got the nickname of "Kid Butcher" or "The Butcher Boy".Thanks to our Sponsor, Intercollegiate Studies Institute! www.isi.orgKey Names: Agesilaus of Sparta Julius Caesar Alexander the Great Pompeius STRABO (father) Social War Gaius MARIUS (populist consul) Lucius Cornelius CINNA (populist consul) Lucius Cornelius SULLA (optimate consul & dictator) MITHRIDATES - King of Pontus Gnaeus Papirius CARBO (populist consul)  Antistia (first wife) Marcus Licinius CRASSUS Marcus Aemilus LEPIDUS (rebel consul) Marcus Junius BRUTUS (Father of the conspirator) Quintus Lutatius CATULUS (optimate stalwart) Quintus SertoriusQuintus Caecilus METELLUS PIUS (P's fellow general in Spain)Marcus PERPERNA (populist ally of Sertorius)SpartacusMarcus Terentius VARRO (the scholar)Lucius Licinius LUCULLUS (rival general)Quintus HORTENSIUS Hortalus (optimate stalwart) Aulus GABINIUS (P's tribune buddy)The Pirates"Quirites" (the Roman citizenry) Key Places: Rome Picenum Asculum North AfricaMutinaSpain LauronSucro RiverOstia (Rome's port)[Jeremy Giffon on Invest like the Best Podcast, ep. 336: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Vdv5i250hF6EfzOTML9RE?si=98bacff34a7244e9] Thanks to our sponsor Intercollegiate Studies Institute! www.isi.org.  Check out their programs on supporting quality thought and intellectual life in and after your college years.

Check out Ralston College's FUNDED MA program: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma !...Plutarch offers some advice on how to choose your friends, and how to be a good one.  Examples include Alexander the Great, Cato, Carneades, Plato, Dionysius the Tyrant, and more.(Here depicted: the monument of Philopappus in Athens, to whom Plutarch's essay is dedicated)

Intensive Transformational Retreat Survey: https://form.typeform.com/to/bZH00vK7#c=alexAn interview with Barry Strauss, Spartacus expert, and author of The Spartacus WarIn this episode: -How Spartacus' Slave revolt almost failed in its early stages-Overcoming short term thinking as a leader-Spartacus' influence on modern leaders

A method for reading that can transform your life.W/ help from Dana Gioia, California Poet Laureate, Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts 2003-2009.Get his new book Sentences from Seneca, here!Some Sources:https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_108 https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Sallust/Bellum_Jugurthinum/3*.htmlhttps://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Moralia/Sayings_of_Spartans*/main.htmlhttps://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Moralia/Sayings_of_Spartans*/Agesilaus.htmlhttps://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Agesilaus*.htmlhttps://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Lysander*.htmlhttps://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Sertorius*.html

Why does Achilles, slaughterer of men, play the lyre?  A conversation with Spencer Klavan of the Young Heretics podcast. Check out the Cost of Glory Men's Leadership Retreat: costofglory.com/retreatIn this conversation, we discuss:-Spencer & Alex's common ground training as classicists-How one gets into these ancient books in the first place-The theory of "Art for Art's Sake": Why it's interesting, plausible, and wrong.-Epic heroes singing Epic Poetry-Great books for busy dadsAnd much, much more...

Cost of Glory Men's Retreat 2024 - costofglory.com/retreat - apply now! The fall and political struggles of the great Lucullus, rival of Pompey and Caesar.Cost of Glory Men's Retreat 2024 application open! - costofglory.com/retreat Thanks to our sponsor Ancient Language Institute - Tutoring now available:Latin: https://ancientlanguage.com/latin-tutorials/ Ancient Greek: https://ancientlanguage.com/ancient-greek-tutorials/ Cicero's Pro Archiahttps://www.attalus.org/cicero/archias.html People in this episode: Mithridates, King of Pontus Tigranes, King of Armenia Clodius, the Brother in Law Pompey Clodia, the Bad WifeServilia, also a Bad Wife Cato the Younger Cicero Caesar Places in this episode:Tigranokert Artaxata Nisibis Pontus Armenia Rome 

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 value of bad news-Battle of TigranocertaBook Rec - Gareth Sampson, Rome's Great Eastern War

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/retreat Thanks to our sponsor Ancient Language Institute - Tutoring now available: Latin: https://ancientlanguage.com/latin-tutorials/ Ancient Greek: https://ancientlanguage.com/ancient-greek-tutorials/ In this episode: -How to get noticed early on in your career -Seducing your way to warlord status -Taking the time to do the math 

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 more info on the 2024 Cost of Glory Men's retreat in Rome!Link to a translation of Plutarch's text : https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Moralia/De_vitioso_pudore*.html

What happened to Crassus' captured soldiers?  To his family?  What can we learn from his successes and his world-historic failure?  ANNOUNCEMENT! Cost of Glory Men's Leadership Retreat in Rome - July 2024.  Reach out to alex@ancientlifecoach.com if you're interested.Buy the books:-Penguin edition of Plutarch including Life of Crassus -Sallust's war with Catiline -Tom Holland's Rubicon-Barry Strauss' book on Spartacus-Edward Watts's Mortal Republic-Gareth Sampson, "The Defeat of Rome" on Parthian Expedition-Peter Stothard, The First Tycoon See also Gruen, Last Generation of the Roman Republic; Ward, Crassus and the Late Roman Republic; Rawson, Crassorum Funera (in journal Latomus).Pictured: Roman Soldier next to a Han noble, statue group in Liqian, China.  Photo: Natalie Behring

Crassus' famous campaign against the Parthians - what motivated it?  What happened at Carrhae?  What can we learn from it?Thanks to our Sponsor!Ancient Language Institute:https://ancientlanguage.comKey FiguresMarcus Licinius Crassus - The Protagonist Gaius Pompeius Magnus - Pompey, the Rival Lucius Licinius Crassus - the Orator Publius Licinius Crassus - Crassus' father Publius Licinius Crassus - Crassus' Son Publius Clodius Pulcher - The Playboy Mobster Titus Annius Milo - Anti-Mobster Marcus Tullius Cicero - The Mentor Gaius Julius Caesar - The Triumvir Marcus Porcius Cato - The Nemesis Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus - The Challenger Ptolemy XII "Auletes" - The Piper King Aulus Gabinius - Pompey's Crony in Syria Trebonius - Willing Tribune Ateius (Capito) - Unwilling Tribune Gaius Cassius Longinus - The Assassin Octavius - The Junior Officer Orodes II - King of Parthia Mithradates IV - Parthian Usurper Surena - the Parthian Commander at Carrhae Key Places Rome Ravenna - City in Northern Italy (cisalpine Gaul) Luca - City in Northern Italy (Etruria/Cisalpine Gaul) Curia - The Senate house Syria - Roman Province Mesopotamia Iraq Seleucia Babylon Ctesiphon Carrhae Euphrates River Italian quote at the beginning: Dante, Purgatorio XX

Marcus Licinius Crassus, Richest Man in Rome.  The plot thickens in the contest with Pompey, and Crassus takes on new allies: Catiline and Julius Caesar.In this episode:-How to diffuse the resentment of opponents you've beaten-The power of debt at Rome-Fighting for the hardest prizes, but playing it like a game-Cicero's mortgage and homeowner headachesThanks to Sponsors:Ancient Language Institute:https://ancientlanguage.com--Copythat, learn copywriting from the classics: https://copythat.com/For a discount (and to let them know I sent you), use this code: glory

The story of Marcus Licinius Crassus, Richest man in Rome.In this episode: -The Real Spartacus-How to make a fortune, ancient style -Why Crassus was a better spender than modern billionaires

Plutarch gives more examples of how to get it right, from Great Leaders of Greece & Rome-Phocion-Agathocles-Pericles-Sulla-Themistocles

You know you want to do it.  But how?  Plutarch offers a few key examples.

Highlights from Rome's Deadliest Conspiracy, the Catilinarian conspiracy.Featuring speeches by Julius Caesar and Cato the Younger.

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.

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.

The Greatest hero of all, Hercules - told by Seneca: Billionare, 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/

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 

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 

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!

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

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 

Sparta's greatest king, from his grandest moments, to his most challenging setbacks.  394-371 BC.In this episode:-Isolating your enemies-Working through intermediaries-The power of culture-Democracy vs. Oligarchy-personal integrity vs state integrityThanks to our Sponsor, Ancient Language Institute:  https://ancientlanguage.com/register-greek/Here's a nice map of ancient Greece Places: Thebes Corinth Athens (in Attica) Argos Sparta/Lacedaemon (in Laconia) AcrocorinthPeloponnese Cadmeia Olynthus Piraeus (Port city of Athens) ElisArcadiaMantinea Olympia Thespiae (in Boeotia) Plataea (in Boeotia) Leuctra (in Boeotia)   People:  Agesilaus Xenophon Antalcidas (of Sparta) Cynisca (of Sparta) Leontiades (of Thebes) Ismenias (of Thebes) Phoebidas - Spartan Commander Agesipolis - King of Sparta Pelopidas (of Thebes) Epaminondas (of Thebes) Sphodrias - Spartan Commander Cleonymus - son of Sphodrias Archidamus - son of Agesilaus Cleombrotus - King of Sparta 

The story of Sparta's greatest king. Sponsors: -The Excellent How To Take Over The World Podcast;  -Ancient Life Coach Rome Retreat In This Episode:-Inspiration from a rough childhood-The Spartan youth training system-The Spartan art of consensus building-The Iliadic vision of a Panhellenic King-Getting enemies to finance your war effort-War and Friendship among Greeks and PersiansPeople:AgesilausPompeyKing Archidamus (of Sparta)King Agis (of Sparta)King Leonidas (of Sparta)LysanderAlcibiadesPrince CyrusKing Artaxerxes (of Persia)Xenophon of AthensTissaphernesPlaces:Sparta Peloponnese (Peloponnesus)Athens Mt TaygetosMantineiaThebes (in Boeotia)Aulis (in Boeotia)BoeotiaAsia (Minor) Ephesus Lydia Sardis Phrygia CorinthArgosHaliartus (in Boeotia)HellespontThermopylae Orchomenus (in Boeotia)Cnidus (Knidos)Coroneia (in Boeotia)

Xenophon's Anabasis 4: The best parts of all, with analysis for action. Thanks to our sponsor, Ancient Language Institute!https://ancientlanguage.com/register-greek/--Apply for the Ancient Life Coach Speak Lead Retreat!ancientlifecoach.com/retreatIn this Episode:-How to cross a guarded river-The mindset of people who push through massive stress and pain-Distinguishing yourself as middle management-The Sea, The Sea-Lawrence of Arabia, Xenophon admirer-Psychedelic Bees