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Water Fountains: The Legacies Of Antiquity

by Wyatt Fisk

The word fountain came from the Latin term fons or fontis which literally means a source or spring. The history of water fountains can be traced from thousands of years ago. They were originally used to supply drinking and bathe water, and from there they evolved into highly decorative elements that we know today. 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.

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. In ancient times, the need for fountains were highly dependent on the location of a civilization's water supply. For instance, ancient Egyptians had innovative systems for hoisting water from Nile River, so they don't necessarily need fountains, although records have shown that they also used these water features as decorative pieces.

Meanwhile, ancient Romans and Greeks brought their water down to their cities 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. Generally, Romans are acknowledged for their engineering and water systems; it is no wonder that they were the first civilization to revolutionize 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 Renaissance and Baroque periods, the use of wall water fountain and other fountains expanded rapidly in Europe and other 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. Sculptures became the principal elements of fountain designs in 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 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. Other than their aesthetic value however, fountains nowadays are more revered for the relaxing sense they induce. No wonder, more and more homeowners are using these water features inside their personal spaces.

Water fountains have been around since ancient civilization. The wall water fountain for instance, was utilized as a drinking and bathe water source by Romans and Greeks. Today however, these water features are primarily used as ornamental features in different places including homes and business establishments. They also come in different designs, like the copper fountain, that provide them their unique finishes.

Published June 6th, 2010

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