The Earliest Fountains

Water fountains were initially practical in function, used to deliver water from rivers or creeks to cities and hamlets, providing the inhabitants with fresh water to drink, wash, and prepare food with. To produce water flow through a fountain until the later part of the 1800’s, and produce a jet of water, mandated the force of gravity and a water source such as a creek or reservoir, situated higher than the fountain. Fountains spanning history have been created as memorials, impressing hometown citizens and travelers alike. Simple in design, the first water fountains did not look much like contemporary fountains. Designed for drinking water and ceremonial purposes, the very first fountains were simple carved stone basins. great post to read Stone basins are theorized to have been first utilized around 2000 BC. The very first civilizations that used fountains relied on gravity to push water through spigots. The placement of the fountains was determined by the water source, which is why you’ll commonly find them along reservoirs, canals, or streams. The Romans began building ornate fountains in 6 B.C., most of which were metallic or natural stone masks of animals and mythological representations. A well-designed collection of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public water fountains supplied with fresh water.