The Origins Of Wall Fountains
The Origins Of Wall Fountains A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to provide drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes.The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with potable water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. 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 not only used as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the artist who created it. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. To show his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby restricting urban fountains to mere decorative elements.
Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational gatherings.
Historic Crete & The Minoans: Outdoor Fountains
Historic Crete & The Minoans: Outdoor Fountains Archaeological excavations in Minoan Crete in Greece have uncovered several varieties of conduits. These delivered water and extracted it, including water from waste and deluges. They were for the most part constructed from clay or stone.
There were terracotta pipes, both circular and rectangular as well as pathways made from the same materials. The cone-like and U-shaped clay pipes which were uncovered have not been found in any other civilization. Knossos Palace had a state-of-the-art plumbing system made of clay conduits which ran up to three meters under ground. The clay water pipes were furthermore made use of for gathering and storing water. In order to make this achievable, the piping had to be fashioned to handle: Subterranean Water Transportation: It’s not really understood why the Minoans required to transport water without it being seen. Quality Water Transportation: The water pipes may also have been used to move water to fountains that were distinct from the city’s regular process.