30 BC ~ Octavian was given the title Imperator, which was used in the eastern provinces. Imperium suggests unlimited imperium (or power) (Antiquity 2 Interpreting the Past) This was the first of many titles that were to be awarded to Octavian after his defeat of Mark Antony in 31 BC at the Battle of Actium. This indicates that the provinces believed that Octavian deserved to be honored and that the power he possessed at the time should remain his. This was therefore the first factor that triggered the rise of Octavian.28 BC ~ During the struggle between Octavian and Antony, the two men had purged the Senate of those they considered a threat to them and who could trigger a revolt. These men were often replaced by loyal supporters of Octave and Antony. In 28 BC, Octavian continued this trait by reducing the number of senators to 800 (Antiquity 2 Interpreting the Past). This was a vital factor in Octavian's rise to power, as it eliminated many of his rivals and enemies. The assassination of Julius Caesar attests to the danger that might otherwise have arisen.27 BC, the First Colony ~ On January 13, Octavian transferred state power to the Senate and people of Rome. In doing so, he restored the unofficial powers he had held during the Civil War. (Antiquity 2 Interpreting the Past) Accounts in ancient sources differ depending on the duration of this event. Dio Cassius implies that this happened in a single step at the beginning of the year. “I renounce my functions in their entirety and return to you all absolute authority – authority over the army, the laws and the provinces – not only over the territories you entrusted to me, but over those which I subsequently secured to you. » (Roman History, A...... middle of paper......" (Res Gestae Divi Augusti). The title Pater Patriae, was the final factor contributing to Octavian's rise. Works Cited Toni Hurley, Philippa Medcalf, Christine Murray, Jan Rolph ~ HSC Course Third Edition Antiquity 2 Interpreting The Past, published 2008, pages 414-443.Antony Kamm ~ The Romans: An Introduction Second Edition, published 2008, pages 47, 93Dio Cassius ~ Roman History (as presented in Antiquity 2)Augustus (Octavian) ~ Res Gestae Divi Augusti (as presented in Antiquity 2)Eck ~ The Age of Augustus, p.45 (as presented in Antiquity 2)Scullard ~ From the Gracques to Nero, p. 221 (as presented in Antiquity 2)Peter Roberts ~ Excel HSC Ancient History, Copyright 2001, pages 316 – 324http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/caesar -sugustus/http://www.roman-empire.net/ emperors/augustus.htmlhttp://www.roman-emperors.org/auggie.htm