The First Water Features of the Historical Past
The First Water Features of the Historical Past Towns and villages depended on working water fountains to funnel water for preparing food, washing, and cleaning from local sources like lakes, channels, or creeks. To generate water flow through a fountain until the end of the 1800’s, and generate a jet of water, mandated gravity and a water source such as a creek or reservoir, located higher than the fountain. Inspirational and impressive, large water fountains have been crafted as memorials in many societies. The common fountains of modern times bear little similarity to the very first water fountains.
Designed for drinking water and ceremonial purposes, the 1st fountains were simple carved stone basins. Rock basins are thought to have been 1st made use of around the year 2000 BC. The spraying of water appearing from small spouts was forced by gravity, the lone power source creators had in those days. Positioned near reservoirs or springs, the practical public water fountains supplied the local population with fresh drinking water. The Romans began creating ornate fountains in 6 BC, most of which were bronze or natural stone masks of wildlife and mythological characters. Water for the open fountains of Rome arrived to the city via a complex system of water aqueducts.
Contemporary Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Roots
Contemporary Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Roots
The dramatic or ornamental effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, as well as supplying drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property. From the onset, outdoor fountains were soley there to serve as functional elements. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs in the vicinity. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow downwards or jet high into the air. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the artist who created it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often utilized by Romans to beautify their fountains. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. To show his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for public spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational activities.