Public Water Fountains Found in Historical Documents
Public Water Fountains Found in Historical Documents As initially conceived, fountains were crafted to be practical, guiding water from creeks or reservoirs to the inhabitants of cities and settlements, where the water could be utilized for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. A supply of water higher in elevation than the fountain was needed to pressurize the flow and send water squirting from the fountain's nozzle, a system without equal until the late nineteenth century.
Commonly used as memorials and commemorative edifices, water fountains have inspired people from all over the planet throughout the ages. Rough in style, the 1st water fountains did not look much like present fountains. The very first accepted water fountain was a rock basin carved that served as a container for drinking water and ceremonial purposes. The first stone basins are suspected to be from around 2000 B.C.. Early fountains put to use in ancient civilizations relied on gravity to regulate the circulation of water through the fountain. These historic fountains were built to be functional, often situated along aqueducts, streams and rivers to provide drinking water. Fountains with ornamental Gods, mythological beasts, and animals began to show up in Rome in about 6 BC, made from natural stone and bronze. A well-designed system of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public fountains supplied with fresh water.
The Origins Of Outdoor Fountains
The Origins Of Outdoor Fountains 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. Pure functionality was the original role of fountains. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs in the area. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move downwards or jet high into the air. Designers thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and celebrate the designer responsible for building it. The main components used by the Romans to build 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 mimic the gardens of paradise. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were supposed to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
The end of the nineteenth century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to provide drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Nowadays, fountains adorn public spaces and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.