Where did Garden Water Fountains Originate from?
Where did Garden Water Fountains Originate from?
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. Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to provide potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be more elevated and closer to a water source, including aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the artist who created it. Roman fountains usually depicted images of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Since indoor plumbing became the standard of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely ornamental. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational activities.
The Earliest Recorded Outdoor Garden Fountains of Human History
The Earliest Recorded Outdoor Garden Fountains of Human History Water fountains were originally practical in purpose, used to deliver water from canals or springs to towns and hamlets, supplying the residents with clean water to drink, wash, and prepare food with. The force of gravity was the power supply of water fountains up until the end of the 19th century, using the potent power of water traveling downhill from a spring or creek to push the water through valves or other outlets. The elegance and wonder of fountains make them appropriate for historic monuments. The common fountains of modern times bear little similarity to the first water fountains.
Designed for drinking water and ceremonial functions, the 1st fountains were very simple carved stone basins. Stone basins are believed to have been 1st utilized around 2000 BC. The force of gravity was the power source that controlled the initial water fountains. These original water fountains were designed to be functional, frequently situated along reservoirs, creeks and rivers to provide drinking water. Fountains with elaborate decoration started to show up in Rome in approximately 6 B.C., commonly gods and animals, made with stone or copper-base alloy. The Romans had an intricate system of aqueducts that supplied the water for the many fountains that were located throughout the community.