Anglo Saxon Landscapes at the Time of the Norman Conquest
Anglo Saxon Landscapes at the Time of the Norman Conquest The Anglo-Saxon way of life was significantly changed by the appearance of the Normans in the later eleventh century. The talent of the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons' in architecture and agriculture at the time of the conquest. But there was no time for home life, domesticated architecture, and decoration until the Normans had overcome the whole region. Because of this, castles were cruder constructions than monasteries: Monasteries were frequently important stone buildings located in the biggest and most fecund valleys, while castles were constructed on windy crests where their inhabitants devoted time and space to projects for offense and defense. The tranquil practice of gardening was unlikely in these dismal bastions. Berkeley Castle is possibly the most intact model in existence today of the early Anglo-Norman form of architecture. The keep is said to date from William the Conqueror's time period. An enormous terrace encompasses the building, serving as an obstruction to attackers trying to excavate under the castle walls. On one of these parapets is a scenic bowling green covered in grass and bordered by an aged hedge of yew that has been shaped into coarse battlements.Ancient Crete & The Minoans: Water Features
Ancient Crete & The Minoans: Water Features A variety of different kinds of conduits have been found through archaeological digs on the isle of Crete, the birthplace of Minoan civilization. They were used for water supply as well as removal of storm water and wastewater. Stone and terracotta were the ingredients of choice for these conduits. Terracotta was selected for channels and conduits, both rectangle-shaped and spherical. These consisted of cone-like and U-shaped clay pipes that were exclusive to the Minoans. Knossos Palace had a sophisticated plumbing system made of terracotta piping which ran up to three meters below ground. Along with dispersing water, the terracotta water pipes of the Minoans were also utilized to gather water and accumulate it. These terracotta piping were required to perform: Below ground Water Transportation: Initially this particular process appears to have been fashioned not for convenience but to provide water for specific individuals or rites without it being seen. Quality Water Transportation: The conduits could also have been used to move water to fountains that were split from the city’s regular technique.The Circulation of Garden Water Fountains Engineering Knowledge in Europe
The Circulation of Garden Water Fountains Engineering Knowledge in Europe Dissiminating useful hydraulic facts and fountain design ideas throughout Europe was accomplished with the published documents and illustrated publications of the time. In the late 1500's, a French water fountain architect (whose name has been lost) was the globally distinguished hydraulics innovator. With imperial mandates in Brussels, London and Germany, he began his career in Italy, building knowledge in garden design and grottoes with integrated and clever water features. In France, near the end of his life, he penned “The Principle of Moving Forces”, a publication that became the essential text on hydraulic technology and engineering. Describing contemporary hydraulic systems, the book also modernized key hydraulic developments of classical antiquity. The water screw, a mechanical means to move water, and developed by Archimedes, was featured in the book. Sunlight heating up water in two vessels hidden in a room next to an ornamental water fountain was shown in one illustration.