A Look Back On The History Of Water Fountains
The term fountain is constructed after the Latin term fons or fontis which means a source or spring. The history of water fountains dates back from thousands of years ago. At the outset, they were utilized as water sources for drinking and bathing, and overtime they evolved into decorative features used to accentuate indoor and outdoor areas. Even if the designs and functions of fountains have profoundly changed, their appeal continue to fascinate us, and due to this they are contemplated as one of history's most important legacies.
Water fountains were uses from as far back as third millennium B.C. in Mesopotamia, which is now known as Iraq. Most of the fountain ruins found in this area have shown that such water features of that time were made out of solid rocks and were mostly situated near streams. In ancient times, the need for fountains were highly dependent on the location of a civilization's water supply. For instance, ancient Egyptians had deviceful water system that allowed them to hoist water from Nile River easily, thereby reducing their need for excessive fountains.
On the other hand, ancient Romans and Greeks brought water down from the mountains by using aqueducts. However, as their water sources were way above their cities' locations, they needed fountains to properly supply the drinking and bathe water needs of their citizens. As Romans are often looked up to for their advanced engineering and water systems, it is not a surprise to know that they are also responsible for the advancements in the art and technology of fountain designs. Their ingenuity can be seen from the ruins of numerous free-standing fountains and wall water fountain features they installed within the confines of their city.
During the Renaissance and Baroque ages, the use of wall water fountain, and other fountain types for that matter, had rapidly spread in Europe and other nearby continents. It was during those times when fountains reached their peak, and their purposes had changed dramatically from major drinking and bathing water reservoirs to luxurious interior and exterior designs. Fountains were transformed into expressive art forms as seen from the allegorical figures they exemplify. In fact, sculptures became the major element of fountain designs during the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
When 20th century arrived, fountains were freed entirely from the need to be primary water sources. The 20th century also saw the rise of new fountain materials and technologies. From plain and lifeless looking fountain designs, it is now possible to see copper fountain finishes that comes with amplified music and jets of water controlled by a computer program. Basically, modern designs and finishes of fountains are endless.
Water fountains are essential water features that benefited humans throughout history. In this respect, it cannot be denied that they are one of history's most important legacies. More than their decorative prowess however, fountains nowadays are more appreciated for their stress-relieving capabilities. No wonder, more and more homeowners are using these water features inside their personal spaces.
The designs and functions of water fountains have changed profoundly since the time they were used in ancient civilizations. Back then, fountains, just like the wall water fountain, were primary sources of water for people that were created from natural stones. Overtime, fountains evolved as decorative pieces used to accentuate certain spaces. In relation to this, their designs have also evolved to include different innovative materials as seen from the copper fountain and other metal-finished fountains.
Published June 6th, 2010
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