Did you know that Augustus, who ruled Rome after Julius Caesar, wasn't emperor at first? He started out as a military leader. Through some excellent battles, he became Rome's most powerful general. Then he was elected by the Senate as a Tribune, which meant he could convene Senate meetings, veto legislation, and was basically the highest level of the judicial system. Then he was given the honor of Pontifex Maximus, which was the highest level of the priesthood.
So basically, Augustus was given all of his power legally, and he was in charge of the military, the judicial system, and the church. All at one time. This had never happened in Rome before, and, as many of Augustus' successors will prove, it may not have been a great idea.
Still, Augustus did a lot of super cool things for Rome, not the least of which was ending civil war and finishing unfinished projects that Caesar began.
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