Roman Influence on Water Fountains

The Term “Fountain” 

Ancient history suggests that water was considered a miracle that deserved worship. Sources of water, such as rivers, wells and springs, were often times considered to be homes of the gods. The term fountain is derived from the Latin terms fons or fontus, which means the principium or the source. Latin references to the terms include fountain, spring, fresh water, source and origin. Fons was the name given to the god of sources. In Greek mythology Fons is the son of Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and Giuturna, a nymph of sources.   However, it is the Roman influence on water fountains that is the most interesting story of all as fountains were mainly used to transport water, and then eventually developed over several hundreds of years into the most beautiful water fountains and features in the entire world.

In ancient Rome, a festival called the Fontinalia was held in honor of the god in October when the springs began to flow. In baptismal, a font is a basin that holds water. More generally, a font is a basin that holds holy water. Fontinal refers to that which grows in or about streams. A fount represents the English spelling of the Latin term font. 

A fount or font is defined as a fountain, or figuratively, a source that initiates or dispenses. The other half of the term “tain” (dhen) means to run or flow. Thus, fountain represents a flow from the source (water). 

A fountain may be either natural or artificial. In either case, a fountain is created from pressure. The pressure of a naturally occurring fountain stems from the weight and/or temperature of water collected in a reservoir. Water flows from a reservoir and through a passage until it naturally discharges. With artificial fountains, a pump is used to provide pressure for the discharge. Either natural or artificial, water fountains have become synonymous with the beautification of homes and landscapes worldwide, throughout time.

Roman Influence on Fountains

In the early days of Rome, 11 aqueducts were constructed to provide a daily supply of thousands of liters of water to the city. Ancient Rome had a population of more than one million people. The aqueducts and associated water distribution system were sufficient to supply enough water to accommodate this sized population. Initially, water was channeled from the hills above Rome, through rock and distributed to the city. The channels were constructed primarily below ground at various depths. The final stretches were raised on arches to distribute the water. Later, advances in construction led to the construction of high, above ground arches to support distribution across valleys and plains. Closed pipes were used in the construction to act as siphons and create pressure to force water down into valleys and up to the other side. Except in areas of the closed pipes, the channels were typically 3 feet wide by 6 feet high. This allowed access for inspections and maintenance. Sedimentation tanks were installed at short intervals along the channels to collect impurities. There were places where two conduits were close in proximity and water could be exchanged to adjust water flow or to empty an area for maintenance. 

Water was distributed to different parts of the city. The emperor had his own water supply, rich residents could purchase a supply line to their private villas and the remaining supply was used for public fountains and bathhouses. Public fountains were situated within 100 meters of one another across the city to ensure that residents had access. 

During the decline of the Roman Empire during the 6^th century, most of the aqueducts were cut. The only remaining conduit was Aqua Virgo, which was constructed completely underground. A few were restored during the middle Ages while most were not restored until the Renaissance period. During the Renaissance, the city experienced a beatification that included the restoration of the ancient aqueducts and the creation of public fountains. Fountains then began to appear in gardens and courtyards of noble places. Many of the structures were designed to simulate those constructed in Greek and Roman history, which were dedicated to Nymphs. These were called Nymphaeum.  

Rome has 280 fountains, more fountains than any other city in the world. 

A listing of the 68 major fountains in Rome, listed by alphabet and district, is provided at http://www.romeartlover.it/Fountain.html .

The alphabetical listing is shown below with links to additional information and illustrations of the fountains.