how and why did octavian (augustus) succeed at the project that cost julian caesar his life?

Question

namely to make himself sole ruler of the roman state? what steps did augustus take in order to consolidate his power as an emperor? in what ways were augustus' sucessors, in the julio-claudian emperors, able to continue the process of consolidating imperial power? why was the succession of emperors always accompanied by danger and uncertianty?

Answer 1

Julius Caesar rose to power during the Republic. The First Triumvirate -- Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey -- were to share power, but as First Consul, Caesar attempted to ease the other two out. This gave rise to the fear that he would make himself a sole emperor, and that would eviscerate the legal power vested in the Roman Senate. The Senate was not yet moribund, and the successful plot to assassinate Caesar was hatched in the Senate.

The Second Triumvirate, successors to Julius Caesar and consisting of Octavian (later Caesar Augustus and perhaps Caesar's adopted son), Marc Antony, and Lepidus, soon became The Big Two as Lepidus was sent off to the provinces.

Antony foolishly took off for Cleopatra and Egypt, leaving Octavian at home where he lost no time in dissing his rival and questioning his loyalty. Antony had abandoned his power base, so when the confrontation occurred, it was a one-sided rout.

Consolidating his power, Octavian took care of his friends and supporters while assumimg the purple robe as Caesar Augustus, the first Roman Emperor.

Answer 2

Hmmm this question sounds like a school assignment/homework and you are getting other people to tell you the answer instead of doing your own research.
May I suggest look at the history books in the library? I am sure even the internet will have an answer if you do a bit of searching.

Answer 3

Because Octavian was one mean bastard and a great back-stabbing politician with quite a great deal of machiavellian intelligence. As a starter to your homework, you can site his last words, which pretty much describe why he lasted so long.

If you do a little research for your homework, after 2 paragraphs of his story, you will probably see why he was the man.