Further Reading

The word fountain came from the Latin term fons or fontis which literally means a source or spring. Water fountains have a rich history, dating back from thousands of years ago. At the outset, they were utilized as water sources for drinking and bathing, and overtime they evolved into decorative features used to accentuate indoor and outdoor areas. 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.

From as far back as third millennium B.C., the Mesopotamians used water fountains as parts of their daily living. Based from the ruins found from this period, fountains of that time were made from solid rocks and were situated near streams or rivers. During the ancient times, the need for fountains was dependent on the location of the water supply of a certain civilization. For example, since ancient Egyptians had ingenious water hoisting system, they were able to get water from Nile River easily, thereby limiting their need for fountains.

On the other hand, ancient Romans and Greeks brought water down from the mountains by using aqueducts. However, since their water sources were situated higher than the outlets, they used fountains to supply their cities with 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. 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 the Renaissance and Baroque ages, the use of wall water fountain, and other fountain types for that matter, had rapidly spread in Europe and other nearby continents. Those periods also witnessed the high point of fountain use, and it was also during those times when the purposes of fountains had changed from drinking and bathe water reservoirs to highly decorative pieces. Fountains then became the channels to express art forms as seen from the allegorical figures that they were designed after. In fact, sculptures became the major element of fountain designs during the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

When the 20th century began, fountains were liberated from their drinking and bathing water supply responsibilities. This period bear witness to the evolution of fountain materials and technologies. From plain and lifeless looking fountain designs, it is now possible to see copper fountain finishes that comes with amplified music and jets of water controlled by a computer program. Basically, modern designs and finishes of fountains are endless.

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. With this capability, it's not at all surprising why many homeowners prefer having these water features inside their homes.

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.