Aqueducts: The Remedy to Rome's Water Problems
Aqueducts: The Remedy to Rome's Water Problems Previous to 273, when the first elevated aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was constructed in Roma, inhabitants who lived on hillsides had to go further down to gather their water from natural sources. When aqueducts or springs weren’t accessible, people living at greater elevations turned to water removed from underground or rainwater, which was made possible by wells and cisterns. From the beginning of the sixteenth century, water was routed to Pincian Hill via the subterranean channel of Acqua Vergine. During the length of the aqueduct’s channel were pozzi, or manholes, that gave entry. During the roughly 9 years he owned the residential property, from 1543 to 1552, Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi used these manholes to take water from the network in buckets, though they were initially established for the intent of maintaining and maintaining the aqueduct. Though the cardinal also had a cistern to collect rainwater, it couldn't supply enough water. To give himself with a more efficient system to gather water, he had one of the manholes opened up, offering him access to the aqueduct below his property.
The Origins Of Outdoor Fountains
The Origins Of Outdoor Fountains 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.Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to provide drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. 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 downwards or jet high into the air. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and celebrate the artist. Roman fountains usually depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks.
Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models 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 exercise his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Since indoor plumbing became the norm of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Modern fountains are used to embellish community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.