The Many Travels of Asterix

Since the first Asterix album in 1959, our favorite Gaulish warrior has traveled far and wide, encountering various cultures, civilizations, and mythical lands. From the bustling streets of ancient Rome to the distant lands of the Sarmatians, Asterix provides a humorous yet insightful look into different places during the late Republican period of Rome (circa 50 BCE). This article explores all the locations visited by Asterix and Obelix, their historical significance, and how they were portrayed in the series.

asterix in korean — Korean cover of Asterix and the Banquet

Gaul (Modern France)

Armorica (Brittany, France)

Home of Asterix’s indomitable village, Armorica was a region in northwestern Gaul, corresponding roughly to modern Brittany. It was inhabited by the Veneti, a seafaring Celtic people who resisted Roman rule. The Romans conquered them in 56 BCE under Julius Caesar.

Lutetia (Paris, France)

Already in the early adventures Asterix and the Golden Sickle and Asterix and the Banquet, Asterix visits Lutetia, the precursor to modern Paris. It was a small Gallic settlement of the Parisii tribe, located on the Île de la Cité. Under Roman influence, it later became an important city known as Lutetia Parisiorum.

Massilia (Marseille, France)

Massilia, now Marseille, was founded by Greek settlers from Phocaea (modern Turkey) around 600 BCE. It remained a significant Greek trading post until Rome took control in 49 BCE. In Asterix and the Banquet, the city maintains a strong Mediterranean culture with its famous bouillabaisse fish stew.

Lugdunum (Lyon, France)

The capital of Roman Gaul, Lugdunum, was founded in 43 BCE and became a major economic and political hub. In Asterix and the Banquet, the city is depicted as a flourishing center, but in 50 BCE, it would have been a smaller settlement.

Burdigala (Bordeaux, France)

In Asterix and the Banquet, Asterix and Obelix visit Burdigala, a key trade center in the region of Aquitania. The city later became famous for its vineyards, laying the foundation for modern Bordeaux’s reputation.

Nicae (Nice, France)

In Asterix and the Banquet, Asterix and Obelix also visit Nicae, modern-day Nice, which was a Greek colony before becoming part of Roman Gaul.

Gergovia (Central France)

In Asterix and the Chieftain’s Shield, the story references the Battle of Gergovia (52 BCE), where Vercingetorix defeated Julius Caesar. The town was an important stronghold of the Arverni tribe.

Roman Empire

Germania (Germany)

In Asterix and the Goths, they cross the Rhenus (Rhine) into Germania, home to the Goths. In reality, the Goths lived farther east, and the tribes in this region were mostly Suebi and other Germanic groups. This is the first album in which our friends cross the borders of Gaul.

Rome Sweet Rome — The city of Rome in the time of Asterix

Rome (Italy)

Asterix and Obelix visit Rome in multiple albums, including Asterix the Gladiator and Asterix and the Laurel Wreath. The city was the heart of the Roman Republic, featuring grand temples, forums, and the Colosseum (which was actually built later, in 80 CE, making its depiction an anachronism).

Corsica (France)

In Asterix in Corsica, the island is portrayed as fiercely independent and resisting Roman rule. Historically, Corsica was annexed by Rome in 237 BCE but remained a challenging province due to constant uprisings.

Helvetia (Switzerland)

In Asterix in Switzerland, Asterix and Obelix travel through Helvetia, home of the Helvetii tribe. The album humorously exaggerates Swiss stereotypes, including neutrality, cleanliness, and banking (which didn’t exist at the time).

Hispania (Spain) & Lusitania (Portugal)

In Asterix in Spain, Asterix helps rescue Pepe, a young Iberian chieftain’s son. Spain was divided into Hispania Citerior and Hispania Ulterior, both under Roman control since the 2nd century BCE.
The upcoming 41st album will take Asterix to Lusitania (modern-day Portugal), which was inhabited by the Lusitanians, a Celtic people who fiercely resisted Roman occupation.

Greece & India

In Asterix at the Olympic Games, Asterix visits Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games.
In Asterix and the Magic Carpet, they travel to India, where they meet a fakir and experience a culture that blends historical Indian traditions with humorous stereotypes. On their flight from Gaul to India they spend some time in the Middle East as well.

asterix desert obelix legionary — Asterus and Obelus

North Africa & Middle East

Numidia (Algeria/Tunisia)

In Asterix the Legionary, Asterix and Obelix travel to Numidia, North Africa, where they encounter Scipio’s army. This region, home to the Numidians, was allied with Rome but still had local resistance movements.

Alexandria (Egypt)

In Asterix and Cleopatra, they visit Alexandria, one of the greatest cities of the ancient world, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. It was a center of learning, home to the famous Library of Alexandria.

Jerusalem (Israel/Palestine)

In Asterix and the Black Gold, they briefly travel to Judea, known for its religious tensions and Roman rule. Jerusalem was an important city even before its destruction in 70 CE.

Belgium

In Asterix in Belgium, Asterix and Obelix visit Belgium, where they meet the Belgae, who were described by Caesar as the bravest of the Gauls.

Far-Off Lands

Vinland (North America)

In Asterix and the Great Crossing, they discover Vinland, which Viking explorers like Leif Erikson historically reached around 1000 CE—making Asterix’s visit highly anachronistic! In the same book they pay a short visit to Scandinavia, probably in either modern-day Norway or Denmark.

Sarmatia (Russia/Ukraine)

In Asterix and the Griffin, they travel to the land of the Sarmatians, a real nomadic people known for their horse-riding warriors and connections to the Amazons.

Atlantis (Mythical)

In Asterix and Obelix All at Sea, they find the legendary lost city of Atlantis, depicted as a paradise of eternally youthful people—a stark contrast to Plato’s description of its destruction.

Historic?

Asterix en de Wijde Wereld — Dutch book about the travels of Asterix and Obelix

Asterix and Obelix are among the most well-traveled characters in fiction, visiting places that many real people of their time would never have seen. In the ancient world, most people indeed stayed close to home, with travel being costly, dangerous, and time-consuming. However, some groups were more mobile:

Traders and Merchants – The Mediterranean was a hub of commerce, with Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans establishing trade routes connecting Europe, Africa, and Asia. Roman roads also facilitated overland trade.
Soldiers and Mercenaries – Like Asterix in Asterix the Legionary, Roman soldiers often traveled far from home. The Roman military relied on legions stationed across the empire, from Britain to North Africa.
Diplomats and Politicians – Roman officials, envoys, and governors frequently moved between provinces. Julius Caesar himself traveled extensively during his conquests.
Slaves and Captives – Enslaved people were forcibly moved across the empire, often never returning home.
Scholars and Philosophers – Greek intellectuals, such as those in Alexandria, and later Roman elites traveled to study or teach.
Pilgrims and Religious Figures – Ancient religious sites, such as Delphi in Greece and temples in Egypt, attracted worshippers from distant lands.

By contrast, Asterix and Obelix travel far more than even the most mobile ancient people. Their journeys often defy historical accuracy—sailing to America centuries before the Vikings, encountering Amazons, and discovering Atlantis. Yet, despite these anachronisms, the series cleverly captures aspects of travel in antiquity: unpredictable weather, the importance of local hospitality, and the ever-present Romans controlling the roads