Outdoor Water Fountains Lost to History

As initially conceived, water fountains were crafted to be practical, guiding water from streams or reservoirs to the residents of cities and villages, where the water could be used for cooking food, cleaning, and drinking. A supply of water higher in elevation than the fountain was necessary to pressurize the movement and send water squirting from the fountain's nozzle, a system without equal until the later half of the 19th century. Fountains throughout history have been designed as monuments, impressing local citizens and travelers alike. If you saw the very first fountains, you probably would not recognize them as fountains. Simple stone basins created from local rock were the very first fountains, used for spiritual ceremonies and drinking water. 2,000 B.C. is when the important link earliest known stone fountain basins were actually used. Gravity was the power source that operated the oldest water fountains. The location of the fountains was driven by the water source, which is why you’ll commonly find them along reservoirs, canals, or streams. Fountains with ornate decoration began to appear in Rome in approx. 6 B.C., commonly gods and wildlife, made with natural stone or bronze. The City of Rome had an elaborate system of aqueducts that furnished the water for the countless fountains that were located throughout the community.