Anglo-Saxon Grounds During the Norman Conquest

Anglo-Saxon Grounds During the Norman Conquest Anglo-Saxon Grounds Norman Conquest 38999902041847599.jpg

Anglo-Saxons encountered incredible modifications to their daily lives in the latter half of the eleventh century due to the accession of the Normans. At the time of the conquest, the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons in building design and cultivation. But before centering on home-life or having the occasion to contemplate domestic architecture or decoration, the Normans had to subjugate an entire population. Because of this, castles were cruder constructions than monasteries: Monasteries were usually important stone buildings set in the biggest and most fertile valleys, while castles were built on windy crests where their residents dedicated time and space to projects for offense and defense. The barren fortresses did not provide for the peaceful avocation of farming. The early Anglo-Norman style of architecture is symbolized in Berkeley Castle, which is perhaps the most untouched sample we have. The keep is rumored to have been invented during the time of William the Conqueror. An enormous terrace encompasses the building, serving as an obstruction to assailants intending to dig under the castle walls. On 1 of these terraces lies a charming bowling green: it is coated in grass and flanked by an old yew hedge that is created into the shape of rough ramparts.

Acqua Vergine: The Remedy to Rome's Water Problems

Acqua Vergine: The Remedy to Rome's Water Problems Acqua Vergine: Remedy Rome's Water Problems 93431880.jpg

Rome’s first raised aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was built in 273 BC; before that, inhabitants residing at higher elevations had to rely on natural creeks for their water. If inhabitants residing at higher elevations did not have access to springs or the aqueduct, they’d have to rely on the remaining existing systems of the time, cisterns that accumulated rainwater from the sky and subterranean wells that drew the water from under ground. Beginning in the sixteenth century, a unique approach was introduced, using Acqua Vergine’s subterranean segments to provide water to Pincian Hill. As originally constructed, the aqueduct was provided along the length of its channel with pozzi (manholes) constructed at regular intervals. The manholes made it easier to maintain the channel, but it was also possible to use buckets to extract water from the aqueduct, as we saw with Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi when he owned the property from 1543 to 1552, the year he died. Although the cardinal also had a cistern to collect rainwater, it couldn't supply enough water. Thankfully, the aqueduct sat below his residence, and he had a shaft established to give him access.

Gian Bernini's Outdoor Fountains

There are countless popular water features in the city center of Rome. One of the greatest sculptors and artists of the 17th century, nearly all of them were designed, conceptualized and constructed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Also a city architect, he had capabilities as a water fountain designer, and traces of his life's work are evident throughout the avenues of Rome. A famous Florentine sculptor, Bernini's father mentored his young son, and they eventually went to Rome to thoroughly exhibit their art, chiefly in the form of community water features and water fountains. The juvenile Bernini was an exceptional employee and attained compliments and backing of important painters as well as popes. Originally he was recognized for his sculpting skills. Working seamlessly with Roman marble, he utilized a base of expertise in the historical Greek architecture, most notably in the Vatican. Though he was influenced by many, Michelangelo had the most profound impact on him, both personally and professionally.

A Short History of the Early Public Water Fountains

A Short History of the Early Public Water Fountains As initially conceived, fountains were crafted to be functional, directing water from creeks or aqueducts to the inhabitants of towns and villages, where the water could be used for cooking, washing, and drinking. Gravity was the power supply of water fountains up until the conclusion of the 19th century, using the potent power of water traveling downhill from a spring or brook to force the water through spigots or other outlets. Striking and impressive, big water fountains have been designed as memorials in nearly all civilizations. If you saw the 1st fountains, you wouldn't identify them as fountains. A stone basin, crafted from rock, was the first fountain, utilized for holding water for drinking and religious purposes. Short History Early Public Water Fountains 29362640741.jpg

Short History Early Public Water Fountains 29362640741.jpg

The initial stone basins are thought to be from about 2000 B.C.. The force of gravity was the energy source that controlled the earliest water fountains. The location of the fountains was driven by the water source, which is why you’ll normally find them along reservoirs, canals, or streams. Fountains with ornate decoration started to show up in Rome in approximately 6 B.C., normally gods and animals, made with stone or copper-base alloy. The people of Rome had an intricate system of aqueducts that supplied the water for the numerous fountains that were located throughout the city.