Should we assume that the adventures of Asterix come to us in a strict chronological order? Asterix in Lusitania seems to give a clear clue that this is not necessarily the case. Just from the very first panel alone we think we can conclude that the adventure takes place before Asterix and Obelix went on their Odyssey in Asterix and the Black Gold.

Getafix Still Uses Rock Oil in Asterix in Lusitania

In Asterix in Lusitania, the story opens with Getafix awaiting a routine delivery of “my special rock oil.” It is just a small remark, but might have big consequences. It confirms that, at this point in the internal chronology, rock oil is still a standard ingredient required for the magic potion. The reference is casual, but unambiguous: Getafix expects rock oil because he continues to depend on it.

The Permanent Breakthrough in Asterix and the Black Gold

In Asterix and the Black Gold, the situation is very different. The central tension of the story arises from the failure of a rock oil delivery. This crisis leads Getafix to experiment with other ingredients, resulting in a major discovery: beetroot juice functions as a fully effective replacement for rock oil. As an added bonus, it also improves the taste of the potion.

This might be viewed as a definitive solution to the village’s dependency. Once this discovery is made, Getafix no longer needs imported rock oil from Phoenician traders. The problem that drives the plot is permanently resolved through the new ingredient.

Establishing the Internal Chronology

Because Asterix in Lusitania still depicts Getafix relying on rock oil, the adventure must logically take place before the discovery of the beetroot-based formula. The casual reference in Lusitania therefore anchors the story earlier in the internal timeline, even though the album was published much later.

Conclusion

It makes you wonder what the right chronological order of the Asterix adventures is. Asterix and the Goths clearly follows Asterix and the Golden Sickle, and Asterix and the Magic Carpet obviously follows Asterix and Son. We also know that Asterix in Lusitania comes after The Mansions of the Gods. Which other albums give off clues about the chronology?