In the novel, Davis models her fictional female pharaoh, Hathorkare, after a historical figure: Hatshepsut, a woman who reigned as a female pharaoh during the 18th dynasty in ancient Egypt. Hatshepsut likely lived from around 1507 BCE to 1458 BCE; she was the daughter of the pharaoh Thutmose I. As was common among Egyptian royal families, Hatshepsut married her half-brother, Thutmose II. There is some speculation that the marriage between Hatshepsut and Thutmose II was intended to solidify his claim to the throne. Thutmose II, like most pharaohs, had numerous wives and concubines; his son and heir, Thutmose III, was born to a secondary wife, whereas Hatshepsut was born to his “Great Royal Wife” (the wife with the highest status).

Around 1479 BCE, Hatshepsut’s husband (and half-brother) died, and the throne passed to Thutmose III (her stepson and nephew). Since Thutmose III was only around two years old, he required a regent to rule on his behalf, and Hatshepsut became co-regent. However, within a few years (likely around year seven of the rule of Thutmose III), Hatshepsut seems to have assumed the full role of the pharaoh (a status that was considered semi-divine). Iconography and inscriptions depict her with traditional pharaonic attributes, including masculine attire and a beard.