A Short History of the First Public Water Features

A Short History of the First Public Water Features Villages and communities relied on functional water fountains to channel water for cooking, bathing, and cleaning up from local sources like lakes, streams, or creeks. In the days before electrical power, the spray of fountains was driven by gravity alone, usually using an aqueduct or water source located far away in the nearby hills. Short History First Public Water Features 421205678933.jpg

Short History First Public Water Features 421205678933.jpg

Fountains all through history have been created as monuments, impressing hometown citizens and visitors alike. Simple in style, the very first water fountains didn't look much like modern-day fountains. Designed for drinking water and ceremonial reasons, the very first fountains were simple carved stone basins. Natural stone basins as fountains have been uncovered from 2,000 BC. The jet of water appearing from small jets was pressured by gravity, the lone power source builders had in those days. The placement of the fountains was driven by the water source, which is why you’ll commonly find them along aqueducts, canals, or streams. Fountains with decorative Gods, mythological beasts, and creatures began to appear in Rome in about 6 B.C., made from natural stone and bronze. The Romans had an elaborate system of aqueducts that furnished the water for the numerous fountains that were located throughout the urban center.

The Outcome of the Norman Invasion on Anglo Saxon Landscaping

The Outcome of the Norman Invasion on Anglo Saxon Landscaping The advent of the Normans in the later half of the eleventh century significantly modified The Anglo-Saxon ways of living. The Normans were much better than the Anglo-Saxons at architecture and horticulture when they came into power. But nevertheless home life, household architecture, and decoration were out of the question until the Normans taken over the entire populace. Because of this, castles were cruder constructions than monasteries: Monasteries were usually immense stone buildings set in the biggest and most fecund valleys, while castles were constructed on windy crests where their citizens dedicated time and space to tasks for offense and defense. The bare fortresses did not provide for the calm avocation of gardening. Outcome Norman Invasion Anglo Saxon Landscaping 408983342680540510.jpg

Outcome Norman Invasion Anglo Saxon Landscaping 408983342680540510.jpg

The early Anglo-Norman style of architecture is exemplified in Berkeley Castle, which is most likely the most untouched sample we have. The keep is thought to date from the time of William the Conqueror. A spacious terrace intended for strolling and as a way to stop attackers from mining below the walls runs around the building. On one of these parapets is a picturesque bowling green covered in grass and surrounded by an aged hedge of yew that has been designed into coarse battlements.

Bernini's Early Showpieces

Bernini's Early Showpieces Bernini's Early Showpieces 59123463634267059.jpg

Bernini's earliest fountain, named Barcaccia, is a masterful work of art found at the bottom of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. To this day, this area is filled with Roman locals and tourists alike who enjoy conversation and each other's company. Today, the city streets surrounding Bernini's water fountain are a trendy place where people go to meet, something which the artist would have been pleased to learn. In about 1630, the great master built the very first fountain of his career at the behest of Pope Ubano VIII. The fountain’s central motif is based on a massive ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean Sea. According to 16th century documents, a great flood of the Tevere covered the entire area in water, an event which was commemorated by the eye-catching fountain. In 1665, France was graced by Bernini's only prolonged trip outside of Italy.