The First Public Fountains
The First Public Fountains Water fountains were originally practical in function, used to convey water from canals or springs to cities and villages, providing the residents with clean water to drink, wash, and prepare food with. A supply of water higher in elevation than the fountain was required to pressurize the movement and send water spraying from the fountain's nozzle, a technology without equal until the later part of the 19th century. Frequently used as monuments and commemorative edifices, water fountains have impressed men and women from all over the world all through the ages. Crude in design, the first water fountains didn't appear much like present fountains. The 1st recognized water fountain was a natural stone basin created that served as a container for drinking water and ceremonial functions. Pure stone basins as fountains have been discovered from 2,000 BC. Early fountains used in ancient civilizations relied on gravity to control the circulation of water through the fountain. The location of the fountains was driven by the water source, which is why you’ll normally find them along aqueducts, waterways, or rivers. The people of Rome began constructing decorative fountains in 6 BC, most of which were bronze or natural stone masks of wildlife and mythological representations.
Water for the open fountains of Rome was brought to the city via a complex system of water aqueducts.
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Begin?
Where did Large Outdoor 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 supply drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes.The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical.
People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs in the area. Until the late nineteenth, century most water fountains functioned using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Designers thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and honor the artist responsible for creating it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often used by Romans to beautify their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. The fountains found in the Gardens of Versailles were meant to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Since indoor plumbing became the standard of the day for fresh, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. The introduction of unique water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern fountains are used to embellish community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.