The Water Features
The Water Features The water from rivers and other sources was originally supplied to the inhabitants of nearby communities and municipalities via water fountains, whose purpose was primarily practical, not aesthetic. To generate water flow through a fountain until the end of the 1800’s, and produce a jet of water, required the force of gravity and a water source such as a spring or reservoir, positioned higher than the fountain. Typically used as monuments and commemorative structures, water fountains have influenced men and women from all over the globe throughout the centuries. If you saw the first fountains, you probably would not identify them as fountains. Crafted for drinking water and ceremonial reasons, the very first fountains were basic carved stone basins. 2000 B.C. is when the earliest identified stone fountain basins were originally used. The very first civilizations that used fountains relied on gravity to push water through spigots. Located near aqueducts or creeks, the practical public water fountains supplied the local population with fresh drinking water. Fountains with decorative Gods, mythological monsters, and creatures began to show up in Rome in about 6 BC, built from stone and bronze. The City of Rome had an intricate system of aqueducts that delivered the water for the numerous fountains that were located throughout the community.Where did Garden Water Fountains Originate from?
Where did Garden Water Fountains Originate from?
Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Up to the late nineteenth 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 shoot high into the air. Acting as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also generated clean, fresh drinking water. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times used by Romans to decorate their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create smaller 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. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains built to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
The end of the nineteenth century saw the rise in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Beautifying city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the uses of modern-day fountains.