The Asterix comics are known for their clever wordplay, historical puns, and a love of all things Latin. While the average reader may chuckle at the visual gags, some of the Latin phrases slipped into the background offer an extra reward for the observant. These obscure quotes—some barely noticed—carry rich historical meaning and literary roots that trace back to the Roman Empire.
We looked at some famous Latin quotes before, but today we take a closer look at five Latin quotes from Asterix albums you probably missed, and what they meant in the ancient world—and today. This book is of great help to anyone who wants to learn the meaning behind the Latin phrases in Asterix. Provided you first learn French.
1. “Diem perdidi”
Meaning: “I have lost a day.”
Origin: Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, referring to the Emperor Titus.
Album: Asterix and the Chieftain’s Shield
According to the Roman historian Suetonius, Emperor Titus would reflect on days when he had done no good deed by saying, “Diem perdidi”—I have lost a day. It wasn’t about laziness; it was a moral reflection on failing to use time virtuously.
Modern Use: Rare today outside academic or literary settings, though still quoted in discussions about time management or moral philosophy.
2. “Ubi solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant”
Meaning: “Where they make a desert, they call it peace.”
Origin: Tacitus, Agricola, quoting a British chieftain criticizing Roman conquest.
Album: Asterix and the Cauldron
This biting quote comes from Calgacus, a Caledonian (Scottish) leader, who denounced the Roman Empire’s so-called peace: they destroy everything, then claim peace reigns. Tacitus used it to critique imperial hypocrisy.
Modern Use: Sometimes cited in political speeches or anti-imperialist literature. It remains one of the sharpest Roman critiques of empire—from the Romans themselves.
3. “Donec eris felix, multos numerabis amicos”
Meaning: “As long as you are fortunate, you will count many friends.”
Origin: Ovid, Tristia, reflecting on exile and changing fortunes.
Album: Asterix and the Great Crossing
Ovid, the great Roman poet exiled by Augustus, wrote this line from banishment. It captures the fickleness of human friendship: many people surround you when times are good, but they vanish when fortune fades.
Modern Use: Occasionally quoted in essays or literary criticism dealing with betrayal, social hypocrisy, or shifting allegiances.
4. “Nigro notando lapillo”
Meaning: “To be marked with a black stone.”
Origin: Horace, Epistles, describing a day of ill omen.
Album: Asterix and the Black Gold
In Roman tradition, people marked their calendars with white stones for lucky days and black stones for unlucky ones. Horace used this phrase to describe days so bad they deserved to be remembered.
Modern Use: Mostly literary. The phrase has a poetic air, occasionally used metaphorically to describe disasters or regrettable events.
5. “Omne ignotum pro magnifico”
Meaning: “Everything unknown is taken for magnificent.”
Origin: Tacitus, Agricola, again quoting Roman military thought.
Album: Asterix and the Chieftain’s Daughter
This phrase expresses how people often idealize the unfamiliar—especially distant lands or mysterious cultures. Tacitus used it to explain why Britons admired Rome before they knew better.
Modern Use: A classic example of skepticism toward exoticism. Still used in cultural criticism or discussions about novelty bias.
Honorary Mentions
“Dignus est intrare”
Meaning: “He is worthy to enter.”
Album: Asterix the Legionary
A ceremonial phrase used in Roman rituals—possibly Christianized later—suggesting admission to a rank or order. In Asterix, it’s mock-solemn, poking fun at military pomp.
“Desinit in piscem mulier formosa superne”
Meaning: “A beautiful woman above ends in a fish below.”
Album: Asterix and the Secret Weapon
From Horace’s Ars Poetica, mocking poorly constructed poems. It’s also a jab at mermaids or anything that starts well and ends absurdly. In Asterix, used with comic literalism.
“Dat veniam corvis, vexat censura columbas”
Meaning: “Censorship pardons crows and harasses doves.”
Album: Asterix and the Missing Scroll
From Juvenal’s Satires, criticizing double standards in Roman justice or censorship. In The Missing Scroll—an album clearly about censorship—it’s the perfect Easter egg.
Conclusion
These Latin phrases aren’t just scholarly decoration—they are part of what makes Asterix a treasure trove of wit, satire, and classical allusion. Whether you’re a seasoned Latinist or a casual fan, they offer another layer of humor and historical texture that keeps the adventures of our indomitable Gauls endlessly rewarding.
