Water Transport Strategies in Historic Rome
Water Transport Strategies in Historic Rome Previous to 273, when the very first elevated aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was constructed in Rome, citizens who dwelled on hills had to travel even further down to collect their water from natural sources. Over this time period, there were only two other innovations capable of providing water to high areas, subterranean wells and cisterns, which amassed rainwater.
To provide water to Pincian Hill in the early sixteenth century, they utilized the brand-new process of redirecting the stream from the Acqua Vergine aqueduct’s underground network. Pozzi, or manholes, were constructed at regular stretches along the aqueduct’s channel. During the roughly nine years he had the property, from 1543 to 1552, Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi utilized these manholes to take water from the channel in containers, though they were originally built for the goal of maintaining and maintenance the aqueduct. Reportedly, the rainwater cistern on his property wasn’t adequate to satisfy his needs. To provide himself with a much more useful means to assemble water, he had one of the manholes exposed, giving him access to the aqueduct below his residence.
Where did Fountains Begin?
Where did Fountains Begin? A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to provide drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes.Pure practicality was the original role of fountains. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs nearby. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow down or shoot high into the air. Designers thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and celebrate the artist responsible for creating it. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. To mark the entrance of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the construction of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts entered the city of Rome
The end of the 19th century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. The introduction of special water effects and the recycling of water were 2 things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.
Nowadays, fountains adorn public spaces and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.