The phrase "was the power of" can be replaced with synonyms such as "possessed the strength of," "exerted a great influence," "commanded authority," "wielded significant control," "held sway over," and "had a dominant force." These synonyms can be used to convey the idea of having a significant impact and authority over a particular subject or situation. Depending on the context, different synonyms may be emphasized. For example, "held sway over" may be appropriate when referring to a charismatic leader, while "wielded significant control" may be more suitable for a powerful institution or organization. Overall, the use of different synonyms can add depth and variability to writing and help avoid repetition.