A Concise History of Early Public Fountains
A Concise History of Early Public Fountains As originally conceived, fountains were designed to be practical, directing water from creeks or aqueducts to the citizens of cities and villages, where the water could be utilized for cooking food, washing, and drinking. The force of gravity was the power supply of water fountains up until the close of the nineteenth century, using the forceful power of water traveling down hill from a spring or creek to force the water through spigots or other outlets. Striking and spectacular, prominent water fountains have been designed as memorials in many cultures. When you encounter a fountain at present, that is not what the first water fountains looked like. Basic stone basins created from nearby material were the original fountains, used for spiritual functions and drinking water. Rock basins are thought to have been 1st used around 2,000 BC. Early fountains used in ancient civilizations depended on gravity to control the circulation of water through the fountain. Located near aqueducts or springs, the functional public water fountains provided the local populace with fresh drinking water. Fountains with ornate decoration started to appear in Rome in approximately 6 BC, normally gods and animals, made with stone or copper-base alloy. Water for the public fountains of Rome was brought to the city via a elaborate system of water aqueducts.The Genesis Of Garden Fountains
The Genesis Of Garden Fountains The dramatic or ornamental effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, in addition to providing drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property.
Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with potable water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Up until the nineteenth, fountains had to be more elevated and closer to a water supply, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the designer. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. To replicate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. Fountains played a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Urban fountains made at the end of the nineteenth functioned only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity enabled fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational activities.