As with his previous work Fitzpatrick's War, The Martian General's Daughter borrows heavily from classical history; in this case, the setting is reminiscent of the Roman Empire during the reign of Marcus Aurelius and his son, Commodus.

Unlike Fitzpatrick's War, Judson provides a little background to explain how the world evolved into the shape outlined in the novel.

General Black makes his career fighting under philosopher-emperor Mathias the Glistening, who perishes when his cybernetic implants become infected with the nano-plague.

[1] Justa relates the excesses of Luke's regime, including his execution of perceived enemies, financial corruption, sexual perversion, etc.

As a result of personally witnessing the Emperor's madness, General Black becomes more and more disillusioned and his health begins to suffer.