The Minoan Society: Fountains
The Minoan Society: Fountains Various different kinds of conduits have been unveiled through archaeological excavations on the isle of Crete, the cradle of Minoan civilization. They not merely helped with the water sources, they eliminated rainwater and wastewater as well. The principle components utilized were rock or clay. When clay was used, it was normally for waterways as well as water pipes which came in rectangular or spherical forms. The cone-like and U-shaped clay pipelines that were found have not been detected in any other culture. Clay piping were utilized to administer water at Knossos Palace, running up to three meters below the floor surfaces. The clay water pipes were furthermore made use of for gathering and saving water.
The Origins Of Garden Fountains
The Origins Of Garden Fountains
The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Residents of urban areas, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move down or jet high into the air. Artists thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and honor the designer responsible for building it. The main materials used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. 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.
Urban fountains made at the end of the 19th century functioned only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. The creation of unique water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.
Embellishing city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the functions of modern-day fountains.