The Earliest Water Garden Fountains
The Earliest Water Garden Fountains The water from springs and other sources was originally supplied to the citizens of nearby communities and cities by way of water fountains, whose design was mainly practical, not artistic. To produce water flow through a fountain until the late 1800’s, and generate a jet of water, required the force of gravity and a water source such as a creek or lake, located higher than the fountain. Inspiring and spectacular, prominent water fountains have been designed as memorials in many civilizations. When you enjoy a fountain at present, that is not what the first water fountains looked like. A natural stone basin, crafted from rock, was the 1st fountain, used for holding water for drinking and ceremonial functions. Stone basins are theorized to have been first used around 2000 BC. Early fountains used in ancient civilizations relied on gravity to control the flow of water through the fountain. The placement of the fountains was determined by the water source, which is why you’ll usually find them along aqueducts, waterways, or rivers.
The Romans began constructing elaborate fountains in 6 BC, most of which were metallic or natural stone masks of creatures and mythological representations. A well-engineered collection of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public fountains supplied with fresh water.
The Origins of Modern Outdoor Wall Fountains
The Origins of Modern Outdoor Wall Fountains The translation of hundreds of classical Greek documents into Latin was commissioned by the learned Pope Nicholas V who ruled the Church in Rome from 1397 till 1455. It was important for him to beautify the city of Rome to make it worthy of being known as the capital of the Christian world. Restoration of the Acqua Vergine, a desolate Roman aqueduct which had transported fresh drinking water into the city from eight miles away, began in 1453 at the bidding of the Pope. A mostra, a monumental commemorative fountain constructed by ancient Romans to mark the point of arrival of an aqueduct, was a practice which was revived by Nicholas V. The Trevi Fountain now occupies the space formerly filled with a wall fountain built by Leon Battista Albert, an architect employed by the Pope. The water which eventually provided the Trevi Fountain as well as the famed baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Navona flowed from the modified aqueduct which he had renovated.
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 drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes. The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Inhabitants of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains needed to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Serving as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also provided clean, fresh drinking water. The main materials used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. The fountains found in the Gardens of Versailles were intended to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains made to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
Since indoor plumbing became the standard of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. The creation of special water effects and the recycling of water were 2 things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.
Nowadays, fountains adorn public spaces and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.