A Look Back On The History Of Water Fountains
The word fountain is derived from the Latin term fons or fontis which means a source or a spring. Water fountains have a rich history, dating 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. Although the designs and functions of fountains significantly changed over the years, their appeal has never faded and they are still considered as one of the greatest legacies of antiquity.
As far back as third millennium B.C., water fountains were used in Mesopotamia or modern day 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. During the ancient times, the need for fountains was dependent on the location of the water supply of a certain civilization. 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.
The ancient Romans and Greeks on the other hand, brought water down from the mountains with the aid of aqueducts. However, since their water sources were situated higher than the outlets, they used fountains to supply their cities with drinking and bathe water. As Romans are known for their sophisticated water systems, they are the ones who first revolutionized the art and technology of fountain designs. In fact, they placed several free-standing fountains as well as wall water fountain along their city streets.
By the time the Renaissance and Baroque ages took over, the use of wall water fountain and any other fountains rapidly spread across 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. It was then that fountains became expressions of art as seen from the allegorical figures that they were designed after. As a matter of fact, sculptures became the primary inspirations of Renaissance and Baroque fountain designers.
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 dull looking fountain designs of ancient civilizations, it is now possible to create copper fountain designs with amplified music and jets of water manipulated by computer programs. Basically, the innovations in technology allow the introduction of a whole new profusion of fountain designs.
Water fountains are essential water features that benefited humans throughout history. Hence, they can be contemplated as one of history’s finest gifts. Aside from their decorative purposes however, fountains today are more appreciated for their healthy benefits. 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.
- Wyatt Fisk
