Water Transport Solutions in Historic Rome
Water Transport Solutions in Historic Rome
Rome’s first elevated aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was built in 273 BC; prior to that, citizens residing at higher elevations had to depend on natural streams for their water. Outside of these aqueducts and springs, wells and rainwater-collecting cisterns were the only technologies readily available at the time to supply water to spots of higher elevation. In the early sixteenth century, the city began to utilize the water that ran beneath the earth through Acqua Vergine to deliver water to Pincian Hill. The aqueduct’s channel was made reachable by pozzi, or manholes, that were situated along its length when it was 1st constructed. Though they were primarily designed to make it possible to support the aqueduct, Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi started out using the manholes to get water from the channel, opening when he acquired the property in 1543. The cistern he had built to gather rainwater wasn’t sufficient to meet his water specifications. Fortunately, the aqueduct sat directly below his residence, and he had a shaft opened to give him accessibility.
Where did Fountains Come From?
Where did Fountains Come From? A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes.From the onset, outdoor fountains were soley meant to serve as functional elements. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to provide drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and memorialize the designer. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. To show his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. To mark the entryway of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the building of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts arrived in the city of Rome
Indoor plumbing became the key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby restricting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern fountains are used to adorn community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.