Successful people are always going to receive resentment and hostility from lesser individuals - it's an inevitable side effect.

Workplace politics are painful, but the best thing to do is develop a thick skin for it. Be on your toes during conflicts to prevent any significantly harmful backstabbing, but resist being pulled into them emotionally. And always avoid being true friends with coworkers outside of work. Work is work and play is play.

Think back to immature classroom politics in elementary school - vindication never helped, and they won't help any more between adults.

Good luck.