Water Fountain History Through The Ages
The Ancient History Of Fountains
Garden Fountains: The first recorded use of Garden Fountains and Wall Fountains in the historical record comes from the ancient middle east. Diagrams found on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs show garden fountains within the enclosed courtyards of dramatic homes. Typically, these fountains would be a rectangular fish pond, with decorations and fruit lining the edges. The Mesopotamians used fountains to enhance their formal gardens, bringing a lush landscape to the harsh highlands. The origination of some of the greatest fountains in the world, such as the world famous Trevi fountain in Rome, Italy, built in 1732 can trace it's ancestry back to the ancient Persian and Roman influences.
The History Of Fountains: The Persian Influence
In the high temperature deserts of the middle east, the desert oasis provided the inspiration for the ancient Persian-inspired paradise gardens. Many of these garden designs persist today in the form of designs found on carpets and Persian rugs.
The History Of Fountains: The Roman Influence
The ancient Romans were intricately tied to the bathing ritual, and particularly enjoyed Water Features in the gardens intertwined with the public baths. Looking back at Ancient Roman Civilization you will find many accounts of beautiful, temples, gardens and architecture, decorated with majestic fountains and Garden Statuary, including Bird Baths and Planters. Many of today's modern garden and indoor fountain designs have their themes based on Ancient Roman civilization and influences ... Famous Fountains in History
Water A Natural Phenomenon
Our planet consists mainly of water, about two thirds, of which only a small amount is available as fresh water, suitable for humans to drink. Water constitutes a major proportion of our actual bodies. We need water to live and somehow the peaceful, harmonizing sound of running water makes us feel at ease with our world and surroundings. We crave seeing fountains, whether that be Indoor Fountains or Garden Fountains, usually constructed from cast stone. Today fountains are constructed from all kinds of materials and appear in many shapes and forms, from decorative Tabletop Fountains, to ornate Wall Fountains, made from slate, Copper, high tensile resin and hand crafted ceramic. Myths, legends, symbols, poetry, music and art all extol the power of water through it's numerous water fountains. Water has influenced the political and economic course of history; major cities throughout the known world are often situated near rivers or ports.
The Historic Purpose of Fountains
A fountain's major purpose is to fulfill both practical and aesthetic purposes. In the past, public fountains were a social gathering point, whilst people fetched water for drinking or bathing, but there were also spectacular focal point fountains designed to impress as they refreshed. Then, as now, fountains embody symbolic, artistic and social ideas as they enliven places and reinvigorate people. While water is a common substance, understanding its unique qualities and how best to use them requires sustained observation of nature, knowledge of technical hydraulics and artistic sensibilities. The wonderful sounds that a fountain makes is attributed to the ingenious ability of designers to transform a dry, solid monument into a vibrant, wet and changeable work of art, often featuring decorative light and water displays.
Natures Fountains
Nature herself provides the most dramatic spectacles of rising and falling water. The Old Faithful geyser in Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park shoots huge columns of hot spring water and steam up to 180 feet into the air. The majestic beauty and unceasing power of the mighty Niagara Falls never ceases to leave those who witness it in total awe of it's remarkable size, beauty and flow. Fountain designers deliberately exploit the unique liquid properties of flowing water. But these technical details fade when you are faced with a well designed, fully functional water fountain. The simple peace and visual joy of the flowing water seems to touch us deeply, in almost every part of our body.