A Look Back On The History Of Water Fountains

The word fountain came from the Latin term fons or fontis which literally means a source or spring. The history of water fountains dates back 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. Despite the design and function changes of fountains, they remain as one of history's most appealing legacies that never fail to captivate human interest.



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. Back then, whether a civilization had fountains or not depended on the location of their water supplies. 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.



The ancient Romans and Greeks on the other hand, brought water down from the mountains with the aid of aqueducts. However, because their water sources were above the level of their cities, they used fountains to properly route their drinking and bathe water. 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. As a proof of their ingenuity, they developed and installed several free-standing fountains and wall water fountain features within 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. It was then that fountains became expressions of art as seen from the allegorical figures that they were designed after. Sculptures became the principal elements of fountain designs in the Renaissance and Baroque eras.



By the 20th century, fountains were freed from their drinking and bathing supply responsibilities. This period bear witness to the evolution of 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 vital water features that endowed humans with endless benefits. It cannot be denied that they are among history's finest legacies. Aside from their decorative purposes however, fountains today are more appreciated for their healthy benefits. With this capability, it's not at all surprising why many homeowners prefer having these water features inside their homes.