Rome’s First Water Delivery Systems

Rome’s First Water Delivery Systems Previous to 273, when the first elevated aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was established in Roma, inhabitants who lived on hillsides had to journey further down to gather their water from natural sources. When aqueducts or springs weren’t easily accessible, people living at higher elevations turned to water taken from underground or rainwater, which was made available by wells and cisterns. Beginning in the sixteenth century, a unique approach was introduced, using Acqua Vergine’s subterranean portions to generate water to Pincian Hill. Spanning the length of the aqueduct’s passage were pozzi, or manholes, that gave entry. During the some 9 years he possessed the residential property, from 1543 to 1552, Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi used these manholes to take water from the channel in containers, though they were actually established for the function of cleaning and servicing the aqueduct. Apparently, the rainwater cistern on his property wasn’t adequate to fulfill his needs. That is when he made the decision to create an access point to the aqueduct that ran under his residence.

Bernini’s First Italian Water Fountains

Bernini’s First Italian Water Fountains Bernini's earliest water fountain, named Barcaccia, is a masterful work of art found at the bottom of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. Bernini’s First Italian Water Fountains 7757676301741725.jpg

To this day, you will see Roman residents and vacation goers occupying this space to revel in chit chatter and being among other people. One of the city’s most stylish gathering spots are the streets surrounding Bernini's fountain, which would certainly have brought a smile to the great Bernini. The master's first fountain of his professional life was built at around 1630 at the behest of Pope Urbano VIII. A massive boat slowly sinking into the Mediterranean is the fountain's central theme. The great 16th century flood of the Tevere, which left the entire region inundated with water, was memorialized by the fountain according to writings from the time. In 1665, France was graced by Bernini's one-and-only extended journey outside of Italy.

Attributes of Garden Statues in Archaic Greece

Attributes of Garden Statues in Archaic Greece The initial freestanding sculpture was improved by the Archaic Greeks, a notable achievement since until then the sole carvings in existence were reliefs cut into walls and pillars. Most of the freestanding statues were of young, winsome male or female (kore) Greeks and are known as kouros figures. Symbolizing beauty to the Greeks, the kouroi were made to look rigid and commonly had foot forward; the males were healthy, strong, and naked. In around 650 BC, the varieties of the kouroi became life-sized. Attributes Garden Statues Archaic Greece 4846154459843518.jpg

Attributes Garden Statues Archaic Greece 4846154459843518.jpg

The Archaic period was tumultuous for the Greeks as they evolved into more sophisticated forms of government and art, and gained more information about the peoples and societies outside of Greece. During this time and other durations of historical tumultuousness, clashes often happened, most notably wars fought amongst city-states such as the Arcadian wars and the Spartan infiltration of Samos.

The Garden Fountains

The Garden Fountains As initially conceived, fountains were designed to be functional, directing water from streams or aqueducts to the citizens of cities and villages, where the water could be used for cooking, washing, and drinking. To generate water flow through a fountain until the late 1800’s, and create a jet of water, demanded gravity and a water source such as a creek or reservoir, positioned higher than the fountain. Garden Fountains 836117084069.jpg

The splendor and wonder of fountains make them appropriate for historical memorials. When you encounter a fountain nowadays, that is definitely not what the 1st water fountains looked like. A natural stone basin, carved from rock, was the first fountain, used for containing water for drinking and spiritual functions. Natural stone basins as fountains have been discovered from 2,000 B.C.. The spraying of water appearing from small spouts was pushed by gravity, the sole power source creators had in those days. The location of the fountains was driven by the water source, which is why you’ll usually find them along reservoirs, waterways, or streams. Animals, Gods, and Spiritual figures dominated the initial decorative Roman fountains, beginning to show up in about 6 BC. A well-engineered system of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public water fountains supplied with fresh water.