Asterix and Cleopatra (French: Astérix et Cléopâtre) is the sixth volume of the Asterix comic book series, created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. Initially serialized in Pilote magazine in 1963 and later published as a standalone album in 1965, this installment transports our Gaulish heroes to ancient Egypt.

Exasperated by Caesar’s taunts, Cleopatra makes a wager with him: she will construct a magnificent palace in Alexandria within three months. This monumental task falls to the not-so-skilled architect Edifis (Fr. Numérobis), who faces numerous challenges, including sabotage from his jealous rival, Artifis (Fr. Amonbofis). Desperate for a solution, Edifis seeks the help of the Gaulish druid, Panoramix, and his magic potion.

• Buy the book (affiliate link)

In Asterix and Cleopatra, Julius Caesar mocks Queen Cleopatra by claiming that the Egyptians are a decadent, powerless people. Angered, Cleopatra wagers with Caesar that her people can still achieve greatness: she will have a magnificent palace built for him within three months. She entrusts the task to her architect, Edifis, who faces sabotage from his rival Artifis.

Edifis, fearing he cannot complete the palace in time, seeks help from Getafix, who travels to Egypt with Asterix, Obelix, and Dogmatix. Using the magic potion, they assist the Egyptian workers in speeding up construction. Along the way, they face repeated attempts at sabotage from Artifis, including strikes, traps, and imprisonment.

At one point, Asterix and his companions are locked in a pyramid but escape thanks to Dogmatix’s nose. Later, Artifis has them thrown into a dungeon, but Cleopatra herself orders their release. Caesar, displeased at losing his wager, tries to attack the nearly completed palace. A battle ensues in which the Gauls and Egyptians repel the Romans.

The palace is finished on time, and Cleopatra triumphantly presents it to Caesar, proving her point. The Gauls return to their village in Armorica, having once again aided in a historic event.

• A Parody of Epic Films: Asterix and Cleopatra is a satirical take on the grand, epic films of the time, particularly the Hollywood production starring Elizabeth Taylor. The album parodies the film’s lavish sets, dramatic plots, and historical inaccuracies. The statistics about the album’s production in Pilote magazine, such as the amount of ink and paper used, are a playful nod to the grandiose scale of these epic films.
• Cultural References: The album is filled with cultural references to ancient Egypt, including hieroglyphics, pyramids, and the Nile River. However, it also incorporates elements of Roman culture, reflecting the ongoing conflict between the two empires.
• The Birth of Dogmatix: Dogmatix, Obelix’s loyal canine companion, is named for the first time in this story. He plays a crucial role in the adventure, rescuing the heroes from a maze within a pyramid.
• Obelix and the Magic Potion: For the first time, Obelix is permitted to drink a few drops of the magic potion. This exceptional circumstance arises from the need to force open a solid stone door within the pyramid, a task that even Obelix’s naturally enhanced strength cannot accomplish. While Obelix notices no immediate difference, this event sets the stage for his repeated requests for more potion in subsequent albums.
• The Pirates’ Return: The recurring pirate characters make an appearance in this book, showcasing a unique twist: they sink their own ship rather than face another encounter with the Gauls. The captain’s son, Erix (introduced in Asterix and the Banquet), is revealed to have been left as collateral for the ship. Furthermore, the pirates express an unusual determination to seek revenge on the Gauls, a departure from their usual desire to avoid any confrontation.
• Language and Translation: The album highlights the challenges of translation, particularly when it comes to cultural-specific references. For example, the French dice game “421” is translated as “6,6,6” in English to maintain the sense of luck and magic. Similarly, the names of Egyptian newspapers and comic strips are adapted to reflect English-language equivalents.

The Latin phrase Ita diis placuit translates to “Thus it pleased the gods.” This phrase is used in the album to express resignation or acceptance of fate. It often appears in contexts where a character is acknowledging that a particular event or outcome is beyond their control and is determined by divine intervention. This quote reflects the ancient Egyptian belief in a pantheon of gods who influenced human affairs and the Roman concept of fate. By using this phrase, the authors add a layer of classical and mythological depth to the story.

Asterix and Cleopatra is a beloved installment of the Asterix series, celebrated for its humorous take on epic filmmaking, its exploration of ancient Egyptian culture, and the significant developments in the story of Obelix and his canine companion. In 1968 the story was turned into a feature length film with the same title. This was repeated with in 2002 with the release of Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra.