The Source of Today's Fountains

The Source of Today's Fountains The translation of hundreds of ancient Greek texts into Latin was commissioned by the learned Pope Nicholas V who ruled the Church in Rome from 1397 till 1455. He undertook the beautification of Rome to turn it into the model capital of the Christian world. In 1453 the Pope instigated the reconstruction of the Aqua Vergine, an ancient Roman aqueduct which had carried fresh drinking water into the city from eight miles away. A mostra, a monumental commemorative fountain constructed by ancient Romans to mark the point of arrival of an aqueduct, was a tradition which was revived by Nicholas V. At the behest of the Pope, architect Leon Battista Alberti began the construction of a wall fountain in the spot where we now find the Trevi Fountain. Adjustments and extensions, included in the repaired aqueduct, eventually supplied the Trevi Fountain and the well-known baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Navona with the necessary water supply.

Anglo-Saxon Gardens During the Norman Conquest

Anglo-Saxon Gardens During the Norman Conquest The arrival of the Normans in the 2nd half of the 11th century irreparably altered The Anglo-Saxon lifestyle. Architecture and horticulture were abilities that the Normans excelled in, trumping that of the Anglo-Saxons at the time of the occupation. Still, home life, household architecture, and decoration were out of the question until the Normans taken over the rest of the population. Most often built upon windy summits, castles were fundamental structures that permitted their occupants to spend time and space to offensive and defensive programs, while monasteries were rambling stone buildings commonly added in only the most fecund, broad valleys. The calm practice of gardening was not viable in these bleak bastions. The purest example of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture existent today is Berkeley Castle. Anglo-Saxon Gardens Norman Conquest 44750965499950956624.jpg

Anglo-Saxon Gardens Norman Conquest 44750965499950956624.jpg

The keep is thought to date from the time of William the Conqueror. A large terrace meant for exercising and as a way to stop enemies from mining below the walls runs around the building. One of these terraces, a charming bowling green, is covered grass and flanked by an aged yew hedge trimmed into the shape of crude battlements.

Statues As a Staple of Classic Art in Ancient Greece

Statues As a Staple of Classic Art in Ancient Greece Archaic Greeks were well known for creating the first freestanding statuary; up till then, most carvings were made out of walls and pillars as reliefs. Statues Staple Classic Art Ancient Greece 06439811361063989081.jpg

Statues Staple Classic Art Ancient Greece 06439811361063989081.jpg

For the most part the statues, or kouros figures, were of young and attractive male or female (kore) Greeks. Considered by Greeks to represent skin care, the kouroi were created into firm, forward facing positions with one foot outstretched, and the male statues were always nude, well-built, and fit. In about 650 BC, the variations of the kouroi became life-sized. A significant era of improvement for the Greeks, the Archaic period brought about newer forms of government, expressions of artwork, and a greater appreciation of people and cultures outside of Greece. During this time and other times of historical tumult, encounters often occurred, most notably battles fought amongst city-states such as the Arcadian wars and the Spartan invasion of Samos.