Cost of Glory

-Lessons both personal and political from the life of Caesar.  -The Net Worth of Caesar's Estate-Also, could he be in heaven? What should a Christian's, or any modern man's attitude be toward Caesar? -Thanks to sponsors Shokworks and Dr. Richard Johnson!-Shout out to Ward Farnsworth, author of The Practical Stoic, Classical English Rhetoric, and more! Find out more about The Classical Society: https://theclassicalsociety.com

A conversation with American classicist, military historian, and conservative political commentator Victor Davis Hanson. We discuss: Why Epaminondas remains one of the most underrated commanders in Greek history, and how the loss of Plutarch's Life of Epaminondas has obscured his legacyThe pivotal liberation of Thebes in 378 BC: how a small band of conspirators overthrew the Spartan-backed oligarchy and sparked a democratic revolutionEpaminondas's strategic masterstroke at Leuctra — the deep oblique phalanx on the left — and how it shattered 200 years of Spartan military supremacyHow freeing the Messenian Helots and building Megalopolis, Mantinea, and Messene permanently encircled and emasculated Sparta as a great powerThe fatal miscalculation of 335 BC: why Thebes revolted against Alexander on the basis of a false rumor, and how every potential ally abandoned themThe recurring pattern of doomed civilizations — from Thebes to Carthage to Constantinople — that share delusions about allies, enemies, and their own declineWhat ancient history reveals about America's current strengths and vulnerabilities, from demographic pressures to the China threatSubscribe to the Cost of Glory newsletter for detailed maps, images, and analysis of this pivotal moment in ancient history: https://costofglory.substack.com/ Get in touch at:Website: https://costofglory.comX: https://x.com/costofglory

Part 3 of 3 of the Life of Julius Caesar.  Did Caesar want to be a King? A god? What was his vision for Rome? Was there a way he could have prevented his assassination?  In this episode: Caesar returns to Rome His TriumphsHis Reforms His Clemency His Final War in Spain; the Batle of MundaThe Octavius QuestionThe Plots, Dreams, Portents, The men he trusted; the men who betrayed him 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. And check out Warlords of History podcast here!

In this episode: Michael Gibson's origin storyMeeting Peter Thiel and launching the Thiel FellowshipThe importance of AristotleAristotle on "The Gigachad"Is intelligence enough?Failure of philosophy is present in Plato's work...not Aristotle'sAlexander the Great's major influenceInspiration from the immortalsWhy victory is better than happinessFriends as a second self 

A conversation with the bestselling author, classicist and the military and naval historian Barry Strauss about his latest book Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World’s Mightiest Empire.We explore: Why Julius Caesar became a key patron of the Jews and how his support shaped Jewish life in the Roman EmpireThe pivotal moment when Antipater (Herod's father) saved Caesar in Egypt, and how it changed Jewish-Roman relationsCaesar's assassination: the personal ambitions and fears that drove the conspirators beyond Republican ideologyHerod the Great's extraordinary political survival skills: switching allegiances from Antony to Octavian and always landing on his feetThe ruthless pragmatism of Herod's reign, including the execution of his own talented sonsThe historical plausibility of the "slaughter of the innocents" story and what it reveals about Herod's characterFor Barry's previous appearance, check out episode 81. Subscribe to the Cost of Glory newsletter for detailed maps, images, and analysis of this pivotal moment in ancient history: https://costofglory.substack.com/ Get in touch at:Website: https://costofglory.comX: https://x.com/costofglory

A conversation with Johnathan Bi (Cosmos Institute, The Great Books podcast) for a deep dive into Stoicism through the life and philosophy of Cato the Younger. We explore: Why Stoicism continues to attract modern audiencesJonathan’s personal journey with Stoicism—and why he ultimately turned to other philosophiesNietzsche’s critique of Stoicism as a coping mechanismHow Cato embodied Stoic principles (and where he may have fallen short)The tension between Stoic theory and Stoic practice in figures like Seneca and Marcus AureliusSubscribe to the Cost of Glory newsletter for detailed maps, images, and analysis of this pivotal moment in ancient history: https://costofglory.substack.com/ Get in touch at:Website: https://costofglory.comX: https://x.com/costofglory

A conversation with Rob Henderson — Air Force veteran, psychologist, and author of the bestselling "Troubled".  In this episode: Rob's journey from foster care to Cambridge and lessons about status, envy, and human natureThe psychology of envy and jealousy - from Julius Caesar's assassination to modern politicsDifference between dominance and prestige in human behaviorWhy envy is one of the most powerful yet unacknowledged human emotionsHow these dynamics shape personal relationships and societyWhy men are drawn to history and the Great Man theoryWhat academia misses in its focus on present-day issuesLuxury beliefs, status games, and why successful people downplay hard workAttention spans in the digital age and effects of TikTok and short-form mediaWhy biographies and long-form stories matter for character developmentHow reading about great and troubled historical figures helped Rob navigate teenage hardshipInsights on history, psychology, and the hidden forces shaping societySubscribe to the Cost of Glory newsletter for detailed maps, images, and analysis of this pivotal moment in ancient history: https://costofglory.substack.com/ Get in touch at:Website: https://costofglory.comX: https://x.com/costofglory

Part 3 of 3 of Caesar's Civil War series. From triumph to near-disaster. Caesar's Egyptian entanglement transforms him from a glorious victor to a desperate challenger. In this episode: Pompey's assassination in Egypt and Caesar's unexpected grief over his former ally's deathCleopatra's legendary entrance in a bed-sack and her political seduction of CaesarThe brutal urban warfare trapping Caesar in the palace quarter for six monthsThe burning of the Great Library during the harbor battles—400,000 volumes lostCaesar's desperate swim to safety while clutching precious documents above waterYoung King Ptolemy XIII's tragic fate and the consolidation of Cleopatra's powerThe lightning campaign against Pharnaces in Asia—"Veni, Vidi, Vici"The veterans' mutiny outside Rome and Caesar's masterful psychological manipulationCato's final stand in Africa and his defiant suicideThe decisive Battle of Thapsus and the strategic genius of fighting on narrow groundThe massacre of surrendering enemies as Caesar's clemency finally failsAs Caesar recounts, the Republic's future dictator came very close to destruction in the palaces and canals of Alexandria. While Rome descended into chaos under Mark Antony's drunken rule, Caesar fought for his life against war elephants and Numidian cavalry, transformed by his liaison with the living goddess Cleopatra. The man who emerged from Egypt was no longer merely a Roman general, he had consorted with divinity and fathered the son of a pharaoh.  As Cicero wrote in frantic letters to Atticus: "Where am I to look for solace?" The final campaign that would cement Caesar's supremacy began with the most dangerous gamble of his career. Works Cited: (Affiliate links - support the show!) Gareth Sampson, The Battle of Pharsalus Matthias Gelzer, Caesar: Politician and Statesman James Froude, Caesar: A Sketch, Raaflaub (ed.) Landmark Caesar 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!

Part 2 of 3 of Caesar's Civil War series. After his lightning conquest of Italy, Caesar faces his greatest challenge yet as Pompey masses a vast army in Greece. In this episode: Caesar's second dictatorship and revolutionary reforms in Rome—citizenship grants, debt relief, and restoration of the proscribedThe dangerous winter crossing of the Adriatic, splitting his forces against Pompey's naval supremacyThe siege of Dyrrhachium and Caesar's ambitious 17-mile circumvallation to trap PompeyThe catastrophic defeat that nearly ended Caesar's career—his worst loss yetThe brilliant strategic retreat showcasing the iron discipline of Caesar's veteransYoung Curio's tragic death in Africa, highlighting Caesar's reliance on inexperienced lieutenantsThe fateful convergence at Pharsalus as both armies march into ThessalyThe decisive moment when Caesar's hidden fourth line shattered Pompey's cavalry chargeThe fall of the Roman Republic as 15,000 Romans died by Roman swordsCaesar's own account reveals a commander pushed to his absolute limits, saved only by the loyalty of soldiers who would "rather eat tree bark than let Pompey slip through our fingers." The battle that destroyed the old Republic hinged on a single morning's decisions, proving that world history sometimes turns on the choices of one man in command. As Caesar stood over the carnage at Pharsalus, he reportedly said: "This is what they chose. After so many deeds in the service of my country, they would have me, Julius Caesar, condemned as a criminal, unless I sought the protection of an army." Works Cited: Gareth Sampson, The Battle of Pharsalus Matthias Gelzer, Caesar: Politician and Statesman James Froude, Caesar: A Sketch, Raaflaub (ed.) Landmark Caesar. (Affiliate links - support the show!) 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!

Part 1 of 3 of Caesar's Civil War series. The die is cast—Caesar crosses the Rubicon and plunges Rome into civil war. In this episode: The political crisis of 51-50 BCE as Caesar's enemies demand his recall from GaulCurio's shocking defection and proposal that both Caesar and Pompey lay down armsThe breakdown of negotiations and Pompey's fateful acceptance of command against CaesarHis lightning campaign through Italy as cities surrender without a fightThe siege of Corfinium and Caesar's revolutionary policy of clemency toward enemiesPompey's strategic retreat to Greece, abandoning Rome and splitting the RepublicThe brilliant Spanish campaign at Ilerda, showcasing Caesar's military geniusThe brutal siege of Marseille and Caesar's appointment as DictatorCaesar's own account reveals a man driven not by revolutionary ambition, but by wounded dignity and the desperate need to defend his honor against enemies who would destroy him through partisan prosecution. As Lucan wrote of this cosmic struggle: "Of civil wars and worse waged on Thessalian fields / Of crime made law we sing, how a powerful people / Turned on its own heart its conquering hand." The war that would transform Rome forever begins not with grand ideology, but with Caesar's refusal to submit to humiliation—and his enemies' fatal miscalculation of the man they sought to crush. Works Cited Kurt Raaflaub (ed.), The Landmark Julius CaesarMatthias Gelzer, Caesar: Politician and StatesmanErich Gruen, Last Generation of the Roman Republic 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!

Part 2 of 3 of the Life of Julius Caesar. In this episode: Caesar forms the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus, uniting Rome's most powerful menHis revolutionary consulship of 59 BCE bypasses Senate opposition through popular assembliesThe brilliant staging of the Gallic conquest, using allies and tribal conflicts as pretexts for expansionHis management of Rome through letters while commanding armies across GaulThe death of Julia and Crassus fractures the political alliance holding Rome togetherVercingetorix's rebellion culminates in the decisive siege of Alesia, securing Gaul for RomeCaesar transforms both Rome and Gaul forever through calculated strategy, personal magnetism, and relentless ambition—all while his enemies in Rome, led by Cato, plot his downfall and convince Pompey to turn against him, setting the stage for civil war. 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. 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!

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

A 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.org Find 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 Combat A 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 Squad The powerful psychology of accepting death in combat"With the Old Breed" war classic by Eugene Sledge Man of Mystery Robert Benoist

Cato'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.

Part 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.

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!

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!

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 [email protected] 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 Subscribe to the CoG Substack to get high quality transcripts w/ MAPS AND IMAGES. Here's the transcript for 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.

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. Here's the transcript for this episode. (Ep. cover art by Peter Jackson)

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. Transcript for this episode here.

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.

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?For the episode transcript, be sure to subscribe to my Substack!

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

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 

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

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.org Key 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]

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)

An interview with Barry Strauss, Spartacus expert, and author of The Spartacus War In 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/retreat ! Spencer on Twitter: @spencerklavanIn 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 dads And much, much more...

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 Archia https://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 escalates In this episode:-The power of concentration-Nothing is more important than sleep-Bold Barbarian Queens-The value of bad news-Battle of Tigranocerta Book Rec - Gareth Sampson, Rome's Great Eastern War

Lucullus, Conqueror of Armenia.  Highlights from Plutarch's biography of the great foe of Pompey 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.com Key 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 defuse 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 headaches Thanks 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 Thanks to our Sponsor!Copythat, learn copywriting from the classics:https://copythat.com/For a discount (and to let them know I sent you), use this code: glory Some Sources:Barry Strauss, The Spartacus WarPlutarch, Life of Crassus

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: 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 Gioia Get 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 Anabasis In 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 punching Don't forget to follow @costofglory on Twitter for updates and additional takeaways Also - 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/3oDn38P How 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. Map Key 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 integrity Thanks 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) Acrocorinth Peloponnese  Cadmeia  Olynthus  Piraeus (Port city of Athens) ElisArcadia Mantinea  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 Persians People:AgesilausPompeyKing Archidamus (of Sparta)King Agis (of Sparta)King Leonidas (of Sparta)LysanderAlcibiadesPrince CyrusKing Artaxerxes (of Persia)Xenophon of AthensTissaphernes Places: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. In 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

Apply for the Rome Retreat: https://ancientlifecoach.com/retreat Announcing a new partnership!Alex gets interviewed by Ben Wilson of How to Take Over the WorldIn this episode:  -What's in store-What Alex is listening to-Why Cost of Glory exists-Why biography is energizing-What the greats, ancient and modern, have in common-The true meaning of Zeal

Xenophon's Anabasis Book 3 - The best highlights, the Power Highlights. For Power Listeners. In this Episode:-The power of public speaking-What Socrates told Xenophon before he left-Xenophon's inner monologue in GREEK-Motivating your managers-Finding resources you didn't know you had-Lost cities of Mesopotamia-Goat and donkey balloons-The Original Kurds? Amazon links (Click, Buy -> Support this show!) David Allen, Getting Things Donehttps://amzn.to/3kIRpoH Jocko's Extreme Ownership:https://amzn.to/3SCmnLX Landmark Xenophon's Anabasishttps://amzn.to/3HLGAeg Old Penguin Anabasis:https://amzn.to/3HLGAeg Loeb Edition:https://amzn.to/3HLGAeg Key CharactersXenophonProxenus (+)CheirisophusMithradatesSome Hater from BoeotiaA Rhodian Balloon smithThe Carduchians Places: NimrudNineveh (Mosul)Tigris River

Best highlights, power quotes, and notes from a leadership and adventure classic, Xenophon's Anabasis 2.  Featuring: -Deciding who won a battle-How to deceive the wise-The noble and the base among Greek leaders-The hazards of date palm wine Amazon links (Click, Buy -> Support this show!) Landmark Xenophon's Anabasishttps://amzn.to/3HLGAeg Old Penguin Anabasis:https://amzn.to/3HLGAeg Loeb Edition:https://amzn.to/3HLGAeg CharactersCyrus The Younger (RIP)AriaeusPhalinus of PersiaCtesias of CnidosClearchus of Laconia/SpartaXenophon of AthensProxenus of Thebes/BoeotiaMenon of ThessalyTissaphernesAtaxerxes, King of Kings

Best highlights, power quotes, and notes from a leadership and adventure classic, Xenophon's Anabasis 1.  Featuring:-How to get people to take real risks on your behalf-How ancient army logistics worked-Love affairs with foreign queens-Hunting the Ostrich-Qualities of good leaders, in Xenophon's opinion Amazon links (Click, Buy -> Support this show!) Landmark Xenophon's Anabasishttps://amzn.to/3HLGAeg Old Penguin Anabasis:https://amzn.to/3HLGAeg Loeb Edition:https://amzn.to/3HLGAeg Key People:Prince CyrusKing ArtaxerxesTissaphernes (satrap)Epyaxa (Queen of Cilicia)XenophonClearchusTissaphernessacred fishbustardswild assesostriches Key PlacesCiliciaTarsusCunaxa (Battle of)Euphrates RiverPhrygiaLydiaThrace

The moment when someone obscure and untested realizes, in a crisis, that they can handle this.  An autobiographical story from someone who was both a great writer and great leader, Xenophon.

Persevere when you are surrounded by enemies, like the other Santa Claus, Saint Basil of Caesarea.  A Christmas special, from the Cost of Glory.

A Spartan story about a conspiracy.  Whether it's a hostile corporate takeover, a plot to overthrow a president, or a school board coup, how do you make sure your conspiracy doesn't fail?  Learn this lesson or be sorry later.  Also featuring commentary from Aristotle's Politics.

How do you buy yourself some time when you can't afford to tell people the reason why?  A strategy used by a Spartan commander, Dercylidas.  Brought to you by the Greek philosopher-historian-warrior Xenophon.

How should we look at the lives of “problematic” great figures?  Join us as we join the ancient philosopher Plutarch, in sizing up two incredible men of action.  Who wins?       Shout out to sources and inspirations:    Ancient:  Plutarch, life of Sulla Plutarch, life of Marius Plutarch, life of Sertorius Plutarch, life of Pompey Plutarch, life of Lucullus Appian, Civil Wars Appian, Mithridatic Wars Cicero, pro Sexto Roscio Sallust, Jugurtha   Secondary: Arthur Keaveney (R.I.P.), Sulla, The Last Republican Theodor Mommsen, History of Rome Gareth Sampson, Collapse of Rome Catherine Steel, The End of the Roman Republic; “Sulla the Orator” Adrienne Mayor, The Poison King  

Mass murderer or brilliant patriot?  Whatever your take on Sulla, it's worth analyzing the qualities that made him a joy to his friends, and a terror to his enemies.

How do you keep your team together in a civil conflict?  Can a country right itself by warring with itself?  What are the limits to which one man will go to punish his enemies?     In this episode, Sulla’s most famous, or rather infamous, acts as a leader.       —People— Sulla Plutarch King Pyrrhus  Cinna Metellus Pius Marcus Licinius Crassus Carbo Gaius Norbanus Lucius Cornelius Scipio (Asiaticus) Sertorius Gnaeus Pompeius (Pompey) Gaius Marius (Jr.) Damasippus The Samnites Telesinus The Lucanians Lucius Ofella Sextus Roscius (Amerinus) Cicero Catiline Julius Caesar The Gracchi Metella Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (consul 78 BC)   —Places— Apollonia Epirus Adriatic Sea Italy Dalmatia Campania Mt Tifata Capua Capitoline Hill Picenum Praeneste (Palestrina) Rome Colline Gate Antemnae Field of Mars (Campus Martius) Temple of Bellona Circus Flaminius Ameria Cumae

How does a great commander handle being undermined by his government back home?  How should we treat opponents we defeat?  And how do we negotiate the best deal when our backs are against the wall and our counterparts know it?   In this episode: Sulla goes to Greece, to war against Rome’s arch rival Mithridates of Pontus.  Can he hold out against a vastly superior enemy army?  And can he weather the escalating crisis in Rome?     --People-- Sulla, The Hero Plutarch, The Narrator Marius, The Scoundrel Sulpicius, The Henchman Cinna, The Politician Mithridates, The King  Aristion, the Tyrant Archelaus, The Foe Flaccus, The Replacement Fimbria, The Backstabber Apellicon, The Book Collector Andronicus, The Editor       --Places-- Rome Athens Piraeus Epidaurus Olympia Delphi Boeotia Mt Parnassus Chaeronea Thebes Livadeia Orchomenus Lake Kopais Asia (Minor) The Dardanelles Dardanus Euboea Halae   --Divinities-- Ma Bellona Minerva Venus Aphrodite Apollo Asclepius Trophonius

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: A man of contradictions.  Enjoyer of dramas and hedonistic pleasures; most successful general of his generation, and one of the greatest of all time.  Patriot and champion of the ancient constitution; the Roman responsible for more Roman deaths than perhaps any other man in history.     Was Sulla one who broke the Republic?   In this episode learn the arts of: -Wisdom -charm -gift giving -deception   People: Gaius Marius Jugurtha King Bocchus The Cimbri and Teutones Quintus Lutatius Catulus The Metelli Aemilius Scaurus Mithridates of Pontus The Parthians Quintus Pompeius Rufus Manius Aquillius (cameo) Publius Sulpicius Rufus     Places: Rome Numidia Gaul Cilicia Cappadocia Armenia Euphrates River Persia Parthia Nola

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.

Plutarch offers insight on relating to people above your station

Plato gives some insight in how to undermine your enemies.

How to turn bad luck around.  SPOILER: it's not just more effort. Stories of Timotheus and Sulla

What happened after Lysander died?  What was his legacy?  What can we learn from his life?  

Lysander returns from his setbacks at Sparta with a revolutionary plan.  He consults the gods about the Spartan Kingship; and some of his own prophecies about Greek geopolitics come true. In this episode: How should protegés treat mentors?  How do you change a deeply conservative state?  And, as always, what is the cost, for an individual, for a state, of striving for supreme glory? Characters:Alexander Hamilton (cameo)LysanderTissaphernes, Satrap of LydiaThe PythiaAgesilausCyrus the YoungerKing PausaniasThrasyboulus of Athens Places:SpartaOracle of DelphiOracle of Dodona, in EpirusOracle of Zeus Ammon (Amun Ra), LibyaEphesusThebesHaliartus

Lysander - The Spartan who took down Athens.  In this episode: the dangers of success. How (and why) Lysander installed the notorious "Thirty" at Athens, and how he came to be worshipped as a god.  Could Sparta contain such a man? Characters: Lysander Socrates TheramenesCritias King Pausanias King Agis ThrasyboulusThe Thirty The Mob   Key Virtues: Patience Flexibility ObedienceIndifference to MoneyResilience   Key Places: Athens Sparta ThebesSamosMiletusDelphi

A Spartan; first Greek honored as a god during his lifetime; destroyer of Athenian naval supremacy.   In this episode: his rise to power, how he pulled off the greatest naval upset in Greek history, and WHY he did it.   Characters: Lysander Socrates Xenophon Alcibiades Prince Cyrus the Younger Agesilaus King Agis Kallikratidas The Mob   Key Virtues: Patience Flexibility Obedience   Key Places: Athens Sparta Ephesus Dardanelles / Hellespont

A story about how Socrates reacted when he got publicly shamed.

Harry Truman was a great admirer of Plutarch's lives, and recommended them often.  He discusses why. Quotes taken from Miller's oral biography of Truman, "Plain Speaking."

How do we translate the advice Plutarch gives on free speaking, with the example of Pericles, into the world of modern media?

What combination of habits produces both strength and peace?  How do we become more sovereign over our lives, over ourselves?  With some references from a famous, classic text from Plutarch's works.

Why do we work? How should we spend our leisure?  Also, announcing the next biography subjects!

What did Pyrrhus and Marius had in common, what lessons can be drawn for leaders?

A transcript of an article from Antigone Journal.  Read the article here:https://antigonejournal.com/2022/03/publius-rutilius-rufus/ Rutilius was a side character in the Life of Marius, but deserves his own treatment here.  See also his treatment in the book Lives of the Stoics by Holiday and Hanselman, which inspired this essay.

3 Lessons for Leaders from the Life of Marius.  Also, what happened after Marius died?

This is the story of how Gaius Marius went from being the Greatest Man in Rome to Public Enemy #1. But Marius, usually master of the political narrative, ended up having his story written by his political rivals.  What was the true character of this surprisingly elusive figure? What is worth imitating? What is worth avoiding?   Before fully answering these questions, we must understand the details of his story, one of the most dramatic and memorable sequences in all of Plutarch’s lives. On today’s podcast: One way to respond when you’re being underminedThe problem with putting off legitimate political complaints Marius, Drusus, and the beginning of the Social War Sulla, Marius, and the beginning of the Civil War Marius’ harrowing escapeThe prophecy about Marius’ 7 consulshipsThe Bloody Return of Marius Links: Thanks to our sponsor - ideamarket.io -  @ideamarket_io on twitter!Thanks to our guest narrator, Justin Murphy! visit otherlife.co, indiethinkers.org, or @jmrphy on twittter

In this episode, Gaius Marius goes from upstart commander to Third Founder of Rome. Roman writer and historian Sallust said Marius possessed Virtus (“manliness, prowess, virtue” - but, was Marius ultimately a “good man”?  In part two of The Life of Gaius Marius, Marius captures Jugurtha, he enlists the help of a prophetess to annihilate an army of Teutones, and triumphs over the Cimbri at the Battle of Vercellae.  And how he became six times Roman consul. But in order to reach the top, Marius had to dispatch political enemies, and make alliances with some dubious characters.  Was it worth it?  Thanks to sponsor ideamarket.io! (@ideamarket_io) On today’s podcast: The power of narrativeHow to commandeer a war from a decorated generalMarius the Military Reformer and StrategistThe battles of Arausio, Aquae Sextiae, VercellaeThird Founder of RomeHow to engineer the downfall of a rival Links: ideamarket.io

Hated by many contemporaries, admired by even more - and later Romans, such as the emperor Augustus.   “Seven times Consul, Praetor, Tribune of the Plebs, Quaestor, Augur, Military Tribune, Marius waged war against Jugurtha, the King of Numidia and captured him. He annihilated an army of Teutones. He triumphed over the Cimbri…” Gaius Marius, an outsider, an Italian…  A story of rising from obscurity to the apex of the Roman hierarchy.  How did he do it? And does he deserve the blame for starting the Roman Civil War?  Nobody becomes the greatest Roman alive in times of peace.  Marius was a young man of incredible ambition and razor sharp perception. He not only noticed the rare opportunities, but he seized them with dogged determination. Even more remarkably, Marius’ achievements didn’t happen until he was an older man.  In fact, Marius’ story was practically just beginning when he was age 50. Perhaps yours will too.  In this first installment of The Life of Gaius Marius, we learn about the foundations Marius laid in his early life as he positioned himself for greatness.  Thanks to sponsor ideamarket.io! (@ideamarket_io) On today’s podcast: Learning the populist game from Scipio Africanus and the GracchiFitting in but staying differentAcquiring a fortune and a reputationEntering Roman politics as an outsiderConciliating RivalsFrom Tribune, to Praetor, to Consul War with Jugurtha

Why did Plutarch write biographies?  What does one hope to get out of a biography podcast?

Plutarch reads the Odyssey

A winter message from Plutarch

Plutarch on what the octopus, and the mythic figure Proteus (who King Menelaus met on his way back from Troy) can tell us about friendship.

Coming back to Plutarch's essay on having many friends, with remarks from Zeuxis, Chilon, and Thucydides

A quote and meditation from Plutarch's On Having Many Friends. Sign up for our email list at ancientlifecoach.com! 

Merry Christmas (etc.) from Ancient Life Coach.  The historical aftermath of Pyrrhus' death, and some thoughts on gift giving. In this episode:The fate of Pyrrhus' kingdomPyrrhus's role in the outbreak of the great Punic Wars? Merry Christmas (or Saturnalia) to all!

Antigonus was famously once asked, “who is the greatest General of our day?” to which he replied, “Pyrrhus, if he lives to be old.” This is the third and final installment of The Life of Pyrrhus, King of Epirus.   [Original music score based on Epirot and other Greek folk traditions, by Ilias Markantonis. See Ilias' work on Facebook, or Instagram (@ilias_markantonis)] Pyrrhus takes opportunity after opportunity, always imagining this will further his cause.  It begins with a Sicilian expedition. After this, Pyrrhus returns to Italy to fight the Battle of Beneventum.   Then he goes to Macedonia to try and claw back an opportunity he didn’t pursue earlier.  It’s a predictable pattern, according to Plutarch: “Pyrrhus was always entertaining one hope after another, and since he made one success but the starting point for a new one, while he was determined to make good each disaster by a fresh undertaking, he allowed neither defeat nor victory to put a limit to his causing trouble for himself and for others.” Pyrrhus made his mark by cultivating an almost maniacal focus on winning in battle - he had a lust for combat. In doing so he won for himself long lasting glory. But we should perhaps ask, together with Plutarch - what was the cost? And was it worth it?   On today’s podcast: Pyrrhus’ whirlwind Sicilian expeditionFabricius’ revengePyrrhus vs AntigonusThe Siege of Sparta The Battle for Argos Links: https://ancientlifecoach.com/ Some Places Mentioned Akragas (Agrigento) Leontini (Lentini) Tauromenium (Taormina) Eryx (Erice, Trapani) Lilybaeum (Marsala) Tarentum (Taranto) Beneventum (Benevento) Syracuse Calabria Aegae Sparta Crete Corinth ArgosNafplio

“Pyrrhus… saw clearly what great happiness he was leaving behind him. But he just couldn’t renounce his hopes of obtaining what he eagerly desired.” We can think of many ambitious leaders or groups who made a big dent in the world by smashing through boundaries: The Mongols, The British East India Company, Moses and Joshua taking the promised land.  But many dreamed big and failed to deliver: Napoleon in Russia, Xerxes in Greece. Which kind of leader will Pyrrhus be? In this episode, the story of Pyrrhus' great challenge to the Romans; the first well-documented visit to Rome by a Greek; Pyrrhus' famous utterance,  “If we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly ruined.” Some takeaways:Fortune favors the bold: if you have your heart set on something, why not do everything within your power to achieve it?  Show compassion even when you don’t have to - Pyrrhus consistently showed respect for his enemy.  Also Pyrrhus is not famous for being a politician, but he was a competent negotiator who sought a peaceful resolution before resorting to violence.  On today’s podcast: The cost of following your dreams Showing respect for your adversaryWinning wars without resorting to violence (sometimes)Letting your strengths guide your decisions Links: https://ancientlifecoach.com/[Original music score based on Epirot and other Greek folk traditions, by Ilias Markantonis. See Ilias' work on Facebook, or Instagram (@ilias_markantonis)] Thanks to our sponsor, Ovadia Heart health!  You can support this podcast by visiting the following links and, if you like something, make a purchase.  Dr. Philip Ovadia's Metabolic Health Tracking System Stronger Hearts Society with Dr. Philip Ovadia "Stay off My Operating Table" eBook "Stay off My Operating Table" Audiobook I've been using Dr. Ovadia's guidelines in my own life for a few months and been experiencing great results.

Pyrrhus, the Warrior King.  Father of the "Pyrrhic Victory."  Smuggled out of the palace at two years old.  Raised in exile by Illyrians.  Pyrrhus grew to be the "greatest commander of his day" according to observers like Hannibal and Antigonus. [Original music score based on Epirot and other Greek folk traditions, by Ilias Markantonis. See Ilias' work on Facebook, or Instagram (@ilias_markantonis)] In this episode:-Find a mentor-Transcend a mentor-Identify the Master Skill in your field, and focus-How to master fear-Seizing opportunities to expand your network Thanks to our sponsor, historical fiction author Jackson Riddle! www.jacksonsriddle.com Check out his new book, A Potter's Vessel, an alternative telling of the conflict that became the US Civil War. Pyrrhus of Epirus (319-272 BC) was a cousin of Alexander the Great.  He was the first man to take battle elephants to Italy. He defeated the Romans on several occasions in what became known as the Pyrrhic Wars. In Part 1, we meet Pyrrhus as a 2 year old, as he is snatched from his crib in a deadly coup. As he struggles to establish himself in his kingdom through his teenage and early adult years, he learns that the only path toward self-reliance for him and for his kingdom is through the sword.   Some lessons: It's always useful to have a mentor.  But you may not have to bind yourself to that person forever. “As his former mentor and now esteemed arch enemy, Demetrius put Pyrrhus through the best school of war anyone could hope for – strategy, tactics, hand to hand combat – Pyrrhus could learn it all from the best - if he could keep his head.” Also, seize any opportunity to expand your network both professionally and personally. Case in point: Pyrrhus in Asia, and Egypt. Find a master a skill in your own field. If there is one thing Pyrrhus exemplifies, it is the power of personal courage in a leader.  So if that’s an area you need to work on (hint: you can never have too much courage), start now.  Courage is physical.

"Satisfy your souls on Plutarch, and dare to believe in yourselves when you believe in his heroes" - Nietzsche **PYRRHUS ARRIVES NEXT WEEK** Friedrich Nietzsche: Greek Scholar, Plutarch fan, student of history, incisive critic of history nerds such as your host. How does history help us, actually? Is it in the ways we think? Listen to this episode for encouragement if you feel woefully ignorant about history.  Or, if you are a big history buff and need the occasional kick in the pants. Insights and Quotes from Nietzsche's Essay "On the Advantage and Disadvantage of History." Available on its own hereor in this collection.

Plato spent time around some bad people.  But he had a way of trying to stay at the top of his virtue game despite the many bad influences he was around.  You can use it too. Links to Lysias' Against Eratosthenes (Lysias 12), mentioned in the episode: A PDF (It's public domain):https://ryanfb.github.io/loebolus-data/L244.pdf Perseus (Annoying interface, but convenient):https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0154%3Aspeech%3D12

How enemies can be more useful than Reason itself.  Anecdotes from Chilon of Sparta, Scipio Nasica. From Plutarch's treatise How to Profit from your Enemies.   His treatise was addressed to Cornelius Pulcher, of Epidaurus, custodian of the cult of Asclepius.

In the Parallel Lives, the philosopher Plutarch pairs individual Greeks and Romans with each other, comparing their lives. In the last few episodes of The Cost of Glory we’ve shared Plutarch’s stories about the lives of Eumenes of Kardia and Sertorius of Rome, pulling out key lessons for modern leaders.  In this comparison episode, we’re joined by guest narrator Stephen Blackwell, President of Ralston College, Savannah, Georgia.(www.ralston.ac) Plutarch offers his own thoughts on the lives of Eumenes and Sertorius. We offer ours on their respective legacies.  Both Eumenes and Sertorius lived similar lives, with similar fortunes, and competed using similar qualities. They both possessed great innate talent, and a tremendous dedication to hard work and perfecting their skills. They were also motivated by powerful ambition, but were both ultimately betrayed by people on their own team. Lessons? #1:  If you’re a leader, you need to do everything you can to read the character and disposition of your immediate reports. Are they following you willingly? Or are they likely to jump ship when something better comes along? Take measures to learn the character of your subordinates.  #2:  For your legacy: Leave behind living people who admire and respect you. People for whom you gave everything you had, to help and defend their rights, to promote their flourishing in the world, even at the highest cost. They’re the ones who will ensure your good work lives on.  On today’s podcast: Plutarch’s comparison of Sertorius and EumenesJulius Caesar and the legacy of SertoriusThe importance of having favorable storytellers:  Hieronymus and SallustIs loyalty a virtue?The importance of being faithfulChannel your ambition into a cause and principle Links: www.ancientlifecoach.comPlutarch’s essayRalston College

What happened to Alexander's kingdom after the death of Eumenes? In this episode: -The end of the Eumenes Story-The age of warring successors begins. -What is special about Eumenes?

In this final part of his Life, Eumenes’ loyalty to the legacy of Alexander is put to the ultimate test.  He faces off against Antigonus, on behalf of Queen Olympias, over rulership of the kingdom and the regency of the kings. A notable historian, A.B. Bosworth, remarks that the struggle between Eumenes and Antigonus “Did more than anything to determine the shape the Hellenistic world.” Our guest narrator is Dawn LaValle Norman, a classicist and scholar of Plutarch and his era. Eumenes has the choice at multiple points to retire in peace.  But he fights on.  Why? And what can we learn from his example?  Eumenes knew the secrets of how to secure the loyalty and admiration of followers, and the compliance of reluctant subordinates.  He took his men on grand campaigns from the steppes of central Turkey to the marshes of Babylonia, the death valley of Susa, and the Iranian highlands. As Plutarch remarks: “Success… makes even men of smaller character look impressive to us, as they stare down upon us from the heights, but it is when misfortune strikes, that the truly great and steadfast man becomes unmistakeable.” On today’s podcast: How to secure loyalty from reluctant followers How to wait out a siegeThe brittle peace after Antipater’s death, and the wrench that smashed itHow Eumenes made it into the Babylonian ChronicleWhy the debtor rules the creditorThe way Eumenes fought when the odds were against himLinks: https://ancientlifecoach.com/

What would you do if your closest friend died unexpectedly, leaving an incredible legacy, and an infant son. How far would you go to defend his rights? Would you give your life?  In this episode Eumenes emerges onto the world stage as one of antiquity’s brilliant generals. What is it like to believe in a divine kingship?  Or, at least, to act as though you do believe? Eumenes fought rebel Persian satraps, upstaged Macedonian warrior nobles, arranged dynastic marriages, fought in hand to hand combat with great commanders.  He was visited in his dreams by the gods.  He strove mightily against fate. Like the figures he worked for and fought with, he seems larger than life sometimes.  What can we take away from his biography?  Eumenes stayed true to his principles, kept his word in an increasingly faithless age, and though all adversity, by gradually taking on larger and larger challenges and responsibilities, he transformed himself, and became an equal of the great lords who were deciding the fate of the throne of Alexander. On today’s podcast: Why you should be careful who you marryHow to remain loyal to yourself and the cause you believe inHow the The first great War of the Successors beganHow to get the gods to fight on your sideEumenes’ transformation from a man of letters to a man of war Links: https://ancientlifecoach.com/

As the Royal Secretary to Alexander the Great, Eumenes of Kardia had a front row seat to Alexander bringing his impossible dream crashing into the real world.  As a young man, Eumenes couldn’t possibly have known that the Mediterranean world he lived in was on the cusp of the most dramatic political and cultural shift in its recorded history, up to that point. And that he would be at the very center of the administrative and military machine that brought that change about.  But just when Eumenes was on top of this new world order he had helped forge, Alexander died. And things suddenly looked like they were starting to unravel. When this happened, Eumenes was determined to keep it all together, because he was one of the only people who could. Not many people can expertly pivot their position so smoothly, but in the aftermath of Alexander’s unexpected death, Eumenes adroitly converted his position and influence into political power.  In this first part of The Life of Eumenes of Kardia, we learn why King Philip of Macedonia initially hired Eumenes as his secretary, how Eumenes grew close to Alexander, why Eumenes got on Olympias’ good side, and on Antipater’s wrong side, the expeditions Eumenes accompanied Alexander on, why the expedition into the Punjab region transformed Eumenes from administrator to taking charge of an elite division of cavalry, Eumenes’ role in settling the succession of Alexander at the Partition of Babylon, and finally why Perdiccas sent Eumenes to Cappadocia. From the outset, Eumenes displayed the traits of a great leader - his ability to be an effective follower of the right cause, and a loyal servant to the decision makers in the situation he found himself in. He was able to slow his mind down and comprehend the situation as a whole, and find where the real potential for action was, the real leverage points. But more importantly, Eumenes performed all his roles, no matter how minor, with excellence, because he saw in them the clear potential for much greater roles. So, if like Eumenes, you’re looking for a way to sharpen your present self, download and listen to this latest episode.  On today’s podcast: How to excel in the service of charismatic leadersThat some accountants can wrestlePhilip II of Macedon’s conquest of Greece, and subsequent MurderThe importance of being trustworthyAlexander’s conquest of Asia and beyondHow to build up creds and respect as an outsiderEumenes’ role in the Partition of Babylon - The post- Alexander settlementLinks: https://ancientlifecoach.com/

Plutarch in On Tranquillity of Mind discusses a way to use the famous phrase Know Thyself. Some Figures mentioned: SertoriusEumenes, Philip II of MacedonAlexander the GreatDionysius I, Tyrant of SyracusePhiloxenus the PoetPindarEmpedoclesPlatoDemocritusIsmenias, wealthy citizen of ThebesEpaminondas, Theban generalEuripides Quotes:"Know Thyself""Rule the Sparta you got"

How do you keep a positive frame of mind in challenging circumstances?  Troubles with loved ones, at work, with poverty, business?  Try this tool, drawn from a passage of Plutarch's moral writings (Moralia). Treatise mentioned: On Tranquility of Mind (from the Moralia)People Mentioned:Paccius - a Roman senator, not known outside of Plutarch's works.  Possibly a friend or acquaintance of Pliny the Younger, Tacitus.Epaminondas - Famous Theban general and statesman.  Major character in the Life of Pelopidas, brief mention in the Life of Eumenes.Fabricius - Famous Roman general and statesman.  Major character in the Life of Pyrrhus (also coming soon) Tool discussed: reframing the conception of external circumstances, in order to alter one's inner state.

This episode provides a brief summary of the life of Sertorius (spoiler alert), recounts events at Rome after his death, and offers a few practical takeaways. Go deeper! Sign up for Ancient Life Emails at ancientlifecoach.com.  Life of Sertorius Cheat Sheet - ancientlifecoach.com/quintussertorius (To skip the summary, go to 6:00)  There is some closure to the story - the wicked are punished, at least some of them.  But in the wake of the civil war, Sertorius' legacy was, for now, in jeopardy.  The narrative was controlled by his enemies.  But this situation did not last forever. Some Takeaways: How to work your hardestWhich game to playHow to survive when death and failure threatenHow to bring people in to your dream

How do you fight off the greatest military machine the world had ever produced? How do you take back an empire?   In his quest to win a better life for himself and the men he led, Sertorius shows what talented and determined people can do when they justly feel they have been wronged and have been given no recourse.  He makes allies with unexpected leaders, he mentors those beneath him, and inspires thousands of people, time and again, to fight alongside him.  In this third and final installment of the Life of Sertorius, we follow Sertorius’ stunning and improbable rise to the leadership of a rival Roman state.  Hunted by his enemies, he throws in his lot with pirates from Cilicia.  When they abandon him, he battles against them in a proxy war in Mauretania (Morocco).   The Lusitanians, a Spaniard tribe, invite him to be their leader.  He persuades them to join him in a bold mission to restore Rome from Spain.  He evades the great Metellus Pius, using guerrilla tactics, and sets about Romanizing the native peoples of Spain.  The Senate sends in Pompey the Great.  Sertorius schools him too.   But the greatest challenge Sertorius faces is in sharing his power - in trusting other Romans who are not like him, who lack his vision, humility, and discipline. Sertorius’ life provides many valuable lessons for leaders: lessons on strategy and tactics, the importance of preparation, surprise, speed, knowing your territory, but also the power of trustworthiness, empathy, and patience. A great Roman historian, a nobel laureate, Theodor Mommsen, called Sertorius, “one of the great men, perhaps the greatest of all Rome had produced, and one who in more fortunate circumstances could perhaps have become the regenerator of his country.” If you’re looking for a way to sharpen your present by learning from the lives of famous leaders such as Sertorius, download and listen to this latest episode.  On today’s podcast: The Pirates of CiliciaUsurpers and the Giant’s tomb in MoroccoGuerilla Warfare, Roman styleThe Lusitanians and their role in the great Sertorian rebellionDiana, the Hunter goddess, and her divine “gift”Sertorius’ famous opponents: Metellus Pius, Pompey the GreatSpectacular military exploits at Lauro, Sucro, Saguntum, and moreBeginning the Romanization of SpainA rival Senate, a rival StateSertorius’ final achievement Links: https://costofglory.com/Sponsors The Paideia Institute - classical tours and classical language teaching www.paideiainstitute.org 

Alexander Hamilton - future founder and lawgiver - was just a young aide of General George Washington in the American Revolutionary war. This was much like Sertorius’ role under Gaius Marius in the last episode. Very few Camp Aides go on to great things, like becoming General. If you want to be one of those people, the ones who make the most of the opportunity to level up, what do you do? Hamilton, like many ambitious people before and after him, read Plutarch’s Lives, taking notes on the biographies of the founders and lawgivers of Athens, Rome, and Sparta, learning how they overcame challenges in order to triumph. Sertorius, at this point in his career, as a political outsider, had to perform that much harder than his peers from noble families.  In this episode we trace his rise to political prominence.  He performs deeds of shocking daring and decisiveness when there are opportunities, and when all doors seem shut he patiently bides his time. In all cases, he maintains an iron will to survive and thrive. We learn how Sertorius permanently secures two cities in Spain in one night. How he becomes Quaestor. How he loses his eye in the Social wars.  We listen as he’s enrolled as a member of the senate, as he runs for Tribune of the Plebs only to have Sulla form a cabal and block him. We witness the return of Marius - Marius 2.0, Make Marius Great Again. We listen as Sertorius makes an alliance with Cinna, before he, Cinna and Marius take back control of Rome. And finally, we hear how Sertorius is sent back to Spain as Governor, in the midst of a great civil war before being forced to take to the sea in a desperate attempt to keep hope alive for his cause. So, if like Hamilton, you’re looking for a way to sharpen your present by learning from the lives of famous Greeks and Romans, such as Sertorius, download and listen to this latest episode.  On today’s podcast: How Sertorius became QuaestorWhy Sulla blocked him from becoming Tribune of the PlebsMarius 2.0: Make Marius Great AgainThe Social Wars and Civil WarsThe alliance between Sertorius, Cinna and MariusBecoming Governor of SpainSertorius’ decision to challenge the power of Rome Links: https://ancientlifecoach.com/Sponsors The Paideia Institute - classical tours and classical language teaching www.paideiainstitute.org 

Sertorius - the greatest Roman rebel - was a commander whose story inspired both Beethoven and Machiavelli. As Beethoven realised he was going deaf, he turned to the ancient philosopher, Plutarch, and his work, Parallel Lives, for inspiration. Plutarch’s biographies gave Beethoven the strength and determination to carry on, to cope, to overcome his aural tragedy and go on to become one of the greatest composers of all time.  But what is it about Sertorius’ story that Beethoven, and many famous and ambitious people who followed him, admired? What can we take from Sertorius’ story that will sharpen us, and prepare us to face the present, whatever it throws at us? “Sertorius was a traitor in the eyes of many, and a hero to others. He went on to be perhaps the greatest Roman Rebel, and certainly he was the greatest Roman Guerilla warrior.” We start with his early career. We meet Sertorius as he attends his first triumphal parade. We hear about that hot August day in 105 BC when the Romans were defeated by the Cimbri in battle. We learn that as a kid from Nursia, trying to get ahead in this world, he was looking for ways to stand out in front of the people who could make or break his career. But when there weren’t any great battles where he could win glory, he realized he’d have to create an opportunity. When he met with setback, he knew there was no use wallowing in resentment, waiting for yet another big shot to notice him.  “He focused on what he could control, and that is… honing his craft, the art of war.” On today’s podcast: How world class performers deal with setbacksWhy Beethoven turned to Plutarch What Sertorius can teach us about learning to defy fateThe Battle of Arausio and the Cimbrian WarsThe rise and fall of General Gaius MariusSaturninus the rogue TribuneThe Gold of TolosaThe origins of the Roman Civil War Links: https://ancientlifecoach.com/Sponsors The Paideia Institute - classical tours and classical language teaching www.paideiainstitute.org 

Introducing The Cost of Glory, launching August 2021. For more information, visit https://ancientlifecoach.com