30 BC ~ Octavian received the title of Emperor, used in the eastern provinces. Imperium suggests unlimited imperium (or power) (Antiquity 2 Interpreting The Past) This was the first of many titles to be given to Octavian after his defeat of Mark Antony in 31 BC at the Battle of Actium. This indicates that the provinces thought that Octavian was worthy of honor and that the power he possessed at the time should remain his. Therefore this was the first factor that began the rise of Octavian.28 BC ~ During the fight between Octavian and Antony, both men had purged the Senate of those they considered a threat to them and who might start a revolt. These men were often replaced with loyal supporters of Octavian and Antony. In 28 BC Octavian continued this characteristic by reducing the number of senators to 800 (Antiquity 2 Interpretation of the past). This was a vital factor in Octavian's rise to power, as he eliminated many of his rivals and enemies. The assassination of Julius Caesar attests to the danger that could otherwise have arisen. 27 BC, First settlement ~ on 13 January Octavian transfers the power of the state to the Senate and the people of Rome. In this way he returned the unofficial powers he had held during the civil war. (Antiquity 2 Interpreting The Past) Accounts from ancient sources differ regarding the time frame of this event. Dio Cassius implies that this occurred in a single passage at the beginning of the year. "I lay down my office entirely, and restore to you all absolute authority - authority over the army, over the laws, and over the provinces - not only those territories which you have entrusted to me, but those which I have then secured to you." (Roman History, A...... middle of paper...." (Res Gestae Divi Augusti). The title Pater Patriae, was the final factor contributing to the rise of Octavian. Works Cited Toni Hurley , Philippa Medcalf, Christine Murray, Jan Rolph ~ HSC Course Third Edition Antiquities 2 Interpreting the Past, published 2008, pages 414-443. Antony Kamm ~ The Romans: An Introduction Second edition, published 2008, pages 47, 93 Dio Cassius. ~ Roman History (as presented in Antiquities 2)Augustus (Octavian) ~ Res Gestae Divi Augusti (as presented in Antiquities 2)Eck ~ The Age of Augustus, p.45 (as presented in Antiquities 2)Scullard ~ From the Gracchi to Nero , p. 221 (as presented in Antiquity 2) Peter Roberts ~ Excel HSC Ancient History, Copyright 2001, pages 316 – 324 http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/caesar-sugustus/http://www.roman- empire.net/ imperatori/augustus.htmlhttp://www.roman-emperors.org/auggie.htm