origins of the Fading Suns Universe

[Allon]

Since this has been topped recently, I might as well add my 2 cents...

Please keep in mind that Dune also draws heavily from German history.
Especially CHOAM, Combine Honnete Ober Advancer Mercantiles, as the good ol' backstabbing trade league and the Landsraad as a balance to keep the emperor down and the noble houses alive.

[Maur13]

Ah, that something else was vague inspiration from Aliens movie, although Aliens theme already existed in general sci-fi culture, and also Chinese inspired Vau.