Cleopatra

The Queen who wagered a palace against Rome, backed by Gaulish magic and sheer determination.

Cleopatra, Queen of the Hellenistic Greek Ptolemaic Kingdom, appears in the sixth Asterix story, Asterix and Cleopatra, where she engages in a high-stakes wager with Julius Caesar. Insulted by his claim that Egyptian civilization has lost its grandeur compared to Rome's, she challenges him to build a magnificent palace in Alexandria within three months. If she succeeds, Caesar must change his opinion of her people. This bet drives the entire narrative, bringing Asterix and Obelix to Egypt to assist Cleopatra's architect friend, Edifis, against sabotage and Roman interference.

Quick Facts

Date: 1965
Series: Asterix
Original language: French
Writers: René Goscinny
Artists: Albert Uderzo
Translator: Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge

Lore & Background

Cleopatra's story centers on her bet with Julius Caesar. After he remarks on Egypt's lost grandeur, she promises to construct a grand palace in Alexandria within three months. She entrusts the project to Edifis, an architect friend of Getafix, threatening him with being fed to the sacred crocodiles if he fails. When Edifis realizes the difficulty, he travels to Gaul to seek help from Getafix, who brings Asterix and Obelix to Egypt. Cleopatra's leadership is tested as rival architect Artifis attempts sabotage, including trapping the Gauls in a pyramid and framing them for poisoning her. Throughout these challenges, Cleopatra remains resolute, ultimately seeing the palace completed on time with the help of the magic potion.

Reader's Guide

Cleopatra's role is that of a decisive leader who initiates action rather than reacting to it. Her primary motivation is national pride, expressed through her bet with Caesar. She relies on Edifis for execution but supports him by welcoming Getafix and the Gauls when he faces insurmountable odds. Key moments include her immediate response to Caesar's insult, her trust in Edifis despite his fears, and her confrontation of Caesar after his legions attack the construction site. She resolves conflicts through authority and wit, ensuring both the palace's completion and the safety of her allies. Her arc demonstrates that leadership involves taking bold risks, delegating wisely, and standing firm against intimidation.

Did You Know?

If the architect Edifis failed, Cleopatra promised he would be fed to the sacred crocodiles of the Nile.
Cleopatra gifted Getafix several papyrus manuscripts from the Library of Alexandria as thanks for his help.
When Caesar's legions damaged the construction site with catapults, Cleopatra shamed him into having them repair the damage.
The wager between Cleopatra and Caesar hinged on her people's grandeur being proven through architectural achievement.