Where did Garden Water Fountains Begin?
Where did Garden Water Fountains Begin? A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes.Pure functionality was the original role of fountains. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs in the area. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Acting as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also generated clean, fresh drinking water. The main components used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create mini variations of the gardens of paradise. Fountains played a significant 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 including decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Indoor plumbing became the key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity enabled fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.
These days, fountains decorate public spaces and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
Original Water Delivery Techniques in The City Of Rome
Original Water Delivery Techniques in The City Of Rome Rome’s 1st raised aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was built in 273 BC; prior to that, inhabitants residing at higher elevations had to depend on local creeks for their water.
Over this time period, there were only two other technologies capable of delivering water to higher areas, subterranean wells and cisterns, which amassed rainwater. In the very early 16th century, the city began to make use of the water that ran underground through Acqua Vergine to furnish drinking water to Pincian Hill. All through the length of the aqueduct’s network were pozzi, or manholes, that gave entry. Whilst these manholes were manufactured to make it simpler and easier to protect the aqueduct, it was also possible to use containers to pull water from the channel, which was practiced by Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi from the time he acquired the property in 1543 to his death in 1552. Though the cardinal also had a cistern to collect rainwater, it didn’t provide enough water. By using an orifice to the aqueduct that flowed below his property, he was in a position to suit his water needs.