The History of Water Fountains

The history of water fountains dates back thousands of years. Ancient Greeks built water fountains above springs that were thought to have magical powers. Water fountains have included replica of the Greek gods and goddesses. Ancient Romans copied this Greek design in the construction of Ancient Roman fountains.

Some of the most complicated fountains were built during the Renaissance (1500-1700) and the most world famous fountains were constructed from 1600-1700. Many of the fountains constructed in the US during 1800-1900 copied the classical designs of previous eras. The newer fountains, constructed since the late 1900s, have more complex designs. Artificial fountains include electronic mechanisms to control the flow of water, lighting and sounds.

Persian Gardens and Fountain Evolution

The tradition and style of gardens is thought to have originated about 400 BCE Persia (Iran). Decorated pottery from that period in Persia history displays typical cross plans of the Persian garden. Travelers to the region recorded the earliest descriptions of gardens during the 14^th century and travelers recorded actual illustrations of the design of the gardens as early as the 17^th century. Gardens were designed to provide relaxation and they were typically enclosed. The structural aspects of Persian garden designs were most concerned with the effects of sunlight. Textures and shapes were chosen for their ability to direct sunlight. Trees and structures were carefully situated to allow sunlight to come in and also to provide shade and offer utility for the garden.

The Persian Empire was centrally located in the mountains where water was considered a valuable commodity. When water was used in gardens, it was to provide a method of irrigation .The Persians included a Qanat to irrigate the garden and the environment. Qanats are tunnels beneath the water table that are connected by structures to draw water to the surface. Trees were planted in Jubs (or ditches) to prevent water from evaporating. Jubs also provide a method for trees to be fed at the root.

Persian Influence on Garden Design

Persian gardens have six primary design styles that are based on their utility. The design styles included in most Persian gardens incorporated more than one style. Classical, formal and casual designs for both public and private settings are shown below in the first table - Table 1: Persian Garden Design Styles

The public Hayat style emphasizes aesthetics over function, incorporating structures, simple plantings, stone grounds, arches and pools. The private Hayat style is also structural and most often includes a pool as the centerpiece. 

Median style gardens emphasize nature and minimize structure. They include trees, shrubs, plants and grasses. When structures are included, they are usually included to provide shade.

Chahar Bagh gardens balance structure with nature. They include four divided corners. The division is usually accomplished with waterways or pathways.

Park style gardens are designed to provide for relaxation and socializing. They include pathways; emphasize plant life and limit structures except for the seating.

Bagh style gardens are usually attached to houses and emphasize greenery. Waterways and pathways are less elaborate and they are primarily functional.

Persian Influence of Fountains

The presence of water in Persian gardens dates back to the period between 201 CE and 700 CE. In later years, designs became more elaborate to include fountains and ponds. In time, aesthetic aspects of the gardens became more popular and more important than the utility of gardens. Gardens were able to channel water to create design.

During the 13^th century, the Mongol empire invaded Persia. Emphasis now focused on the more ornate aspects of a garden. Greenery was used to create this new dimension. The Mongols continued the tradition of Persian gardens in their other empires, particularly India. During the 17^th to 18^th century, the design of gardens extended to palaces. Later European influences, such as those by France, Russia and the UK, led to variations in the use of water and flowers.

Arab Fountain History

The Arab Empire of Northern India developed the Persian style of gardens in the construction of Mughal style gardens. Unlike in Persia, these gardens were constructed where water was plentiful and included large amounts of standing water as well as more elaborate pools, streams, waterfalls and pavilions. The use of light and water was so sophisticated that a form of waterfall was created.

The chadar is a form of waterfall that maximizes the effects of sunlight on the water, such as with reflecting pools. In the western areas of the Arab Empire, the Persian style was adapted in the construction of Moorish Gardens. These gardens made use of gravity to create a water supply.

The Arabs maintained respect for scarce water sources in constructing fountains, particularly jet fountains. Severe restraints were placed on the consumption of water for jet fountains. Unlike with Greek and Roman gardens, the likeness of men was forbidden in the construction of Islamic gardens. Also, with the exception of certain Mughal gardens, these gardens used lesser quantities of water. Irrigation methods were combined with channels, bowls and fountains. Lotus patterns were used where lesser quantities of water seemed greater and overflows from basins were designed to send water to secondary channels. The lack of gravity feed water provided for designs such as the Moorish design, where water used in displays was channeled to irrigation systems once its display function was fulfilled.

The Water Powered Pump Changes Fountain History

The western culture of gardens stems from the designs of Greece and Ancient Roman gardens and incorporates methods of piping and gravity. The development of the water powered pump in Rome led to the gravity fed fountains and these water fountain designs spread to the greater Europe. The renaissance of Italy provided for the development of cascading or downward falling fountains. France developed the more elaborate water fountains.

The Japanese and Chinese replicated the downward flowing water design except they used sand and rocks rather than fountains. The renaissance of the orient presented a more natural approach to gardens. Rising jet fountains were rarely used and when fountains were included in gardens, they included naturally occurring water flows through dams to lakes and informal pools.

The Top 10 World Famous Fountains

The top 10 world famous fountains are shown in Table 2 below with links to additional information and illustrations of the fountains - Table 2: Top 10 World Famous Fountains