The Earliest Water Features
The Earliest Water Features Water fountains were originally practical in function, used to convey water from canals or creeks to towns and villages, supplying the residents with fresh water to drink, wash, and cook with. A source of water higher in elevation than the fountain was necessary to pressurize the flow and send water squirting from the fountain's spout, a system without equal until the later half of the 19th century. Frequently used as monuments and commemorative structures, water fountains have impressed travelers from all over the planet all through the centuries. If you saw the 1st fountains, you wouldn't identify them as fountains. Crafted for drinking water and ceremonial purposes, the very first fountains were simple carved stone basins. 2,000 BC is when the oldest identified stone fountain basins were actually used. The force of gravity was the energy source that operated the initial water fountains. Drinking water was provided by public fountains, long before fountains became decorative public statues, as beautiful as they are functional. Animals, Gods, and Spiritual figures dominated the initial decorative Roman fountains, starting to appear in about 6 BC. The Romans had an elaborate system of aqueducts that delivered the water for the many fountains that were placed throughout the urban center.
Where did Large Garden Fountains Originate from?
Where did Large Garden Fountains Originate from?
A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also launch water high into the air for a noteworthy effect. The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. 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 flow down or shoot high into the air. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the designer 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 re-create the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Since indoor plumbing became the norm of the day for fresh, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely ornamental. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational gatherings.