Cost of Glory

Marius faces Jugurtha, the Cimbri, and opponents at home. He understood the power of morale, religion, and timing. At war, he exemplified that quintessential Roman quality, virtus. But, was Marius ultimately a good man, by our standards?

Thanks to sponsor ideamarket.io!

Key takeaways:
The power of narrative
How to commandeer a war from a decorated general
Marius the Military Reformer and Strategist
The battles of Arausio, Aquae Sextiae, Vercellae
Third Founder of Rome
How to engineer the downfall of a rival

Show Notes

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 narrative
  • How to commandeer a war from a decorated general
  • Marius the Military Reformer and Strategist
  • The battles of Arausio, Aquae Sextiae, Vercellae
  • Third Founder of Rome
  • How to engineer the downfall of a rival

Links:

  • ideamarket.io

What is Cost of Glory?

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