Adriano Colocci

Born in Jesi on September 7, 1855, son of Antonio, Adriano Colocci combined his surname with that of his mother, Enrichetta Vespucci, a descendant of the famous navigator Amerigo Vespucci. A man of many interests and a lover of adventure, he was a researcher, explorer, ethnographer, and anthropologist (his 1889 essay “The Gypsies. History of a Wandering People” still represents a milestone in Romani studies), as well as a diplomat, journalist, and politician. After studying law, he obtained a lectureship in political economy and statistics at the University of Camerino, which he left after just two years to pursue a political career. In 1883, as a provincial councilor, he founded the newspaper “Il Popolo Marchigiano” in Ancona at his own expense.

In 1885, he joined the Rumeli uprising against Serbia, contributing to the creation of the Principality of Bulgaria. He later carried out diplomatic missions in the Balkans and Constantinople, then traveled through Egypt, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon.

In 1890, he undertook an exploratory journey in South America, traveling along the Paraná River. He left detailed accounts of his journeys, especially in an unpublished diary, and wrote extensively on social and political issues.

He died in Rome on March 31, 1941.