A Short History of Early Outdoor Water Fountains

A Short History of Early Outdoor Water Fountains Water fountains were initially practical in purpose, used to convey water from rivers or springs to cities and villages, providing the inhabitants with fresh water to drink, bathe, and prepare food with. Gravity was the power source of water fountains up until the conclusion of the 19th century, using the potent power of water traveling downhill from a spring or creek to force the water through valves or other outlets. Striking and spectacular, big water fountains have been built as monuments in many cultures. Short History Early Outdoor Water Fountains 36935701471503969.jpg

Short History Early Outdoor Water Fountains 36935701471503969.jpg

If you saw the earliest fountains, you probably would not identify them as fountains. A stone basin, carved from rock, was the first fountain, used for containing water for drinking and spiritual purposes. 2000 B.C. is when the earliest identified stone fountain basins were actually used. The first fountains put to use in ancient civilizations relied on gravity to regulate the circulation of water through the fountain. Drinking water was provided by public fountains, long before fountains became elaborate public monuments, as pretty as they are functional. Wildlife, Gods, and religious figures dominated the early ornate Roman fountains, beginning to appear in about 6 B.C.. A well-engineered collection of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public fountains supplied with fresh water.

Creators of the First Fountains

Creators of the First Fountains Creators First Fountains 2262289017929866466.jpg

Often serving as architects, sculptors, artists, engineers and cultivated scholars all in one, from the 16th to the later part of the 18th century, fountain designers were multi-faceted individuals, Exemplifying the Renaissance artist as a inspiring legend, Leonardo da Vinci performed as an innovator and scientific expert. With his tremendous fascination regarding the forces of nature, he explored the characteristics and movement of water and methodically documented his observations in his now celebrated notebooks. Combining imagination with hydraulic and landscaping expertise, early Italian fountain engineers changed private villa settings into brilliant water displays full of emblematic meaning and natural wonder. The humanist Pirro Ligorio supplied the vision behind the splendors in Tivoli and was recognized for his skill in archeology, architecture and garden concepts. Well versed in humanistic subjects and ancient technical readings, other water feature creators were masterminding the excellent water marbles, water functions and water antics for the countless lands around Florence.

The Minoan Society: Garden Fountains

Minoan Society: Garden Fountains 1043391377794827.jpg

During archaeological excavations on the island of Crete, a variety of types of conduits have been detected. These were applied to provide towns and cities with water as well as to reduce flooding and eliminate waste. Many were made from terracotta or rock. Terracotta was used for canals and conduits, both rectangular and circular. These incorporated cone-like and U-shaped clay water lines which were unique to the Minoans. Terracotta pipelines were laid below the floors at Knossos Palace and used to circulate water. The pipelines also had other applications including amassing water and conveying it to a central site for storing. To make this conceivable, the piping had to be created to handle: Underground Water Transportation: the obscure process for water movement could have been used to provide water to select individuals or activities. Quality Water Transportation: Many historians believe that these conduits were chosen to generate a different distribution process for the residence.