Water Delivery Solutions in Ancient Rome
Water Delivery Solutions in Ancient Rome Previous to 273, when the very first elevated aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was established in Rome, residents who resided on hills had to go even further down to get their water from natural sources.
Outside of these aqueducts and springs, wells and rainwater-collecting cisterns were the only techniques available at the time to supply water to segments of high elevation. From the early sixteenth century, water was routed to Pincian Hill through the underground channel of Acqua Vergine. Pozzi, or manholes, were built at regular stretches along the aqueduct’s channel. Whilst these manholes were developed to make it much easier to preserve the aqueduct, it was also possible to use containers to remove water from the channel, which was practiced by Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi from the time he invested in the property in 1543 to his passing in 1552. The cistern he had constructed to gather rainwater wasn’t satisfactory to meet his water needs. That is when he decided to create an access point to the aqueduct that ran directly below his residence.
Where did Fountains Come From?
Where did Fountains Come From? The amazing or decorative effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, as well as providing drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property. The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Residents of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains had to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from the power of gravity. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the artist. The main materials used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his superiority over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains built to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
The end of the 19th century saw the rise in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Contemporary fountains are used to adorn community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.