Waterworks

One of the many engineering accomplishments of the ancient Romans was the use of water as an architectural feature.

Vitruvius described the construction and design of various hydraulic systems, aquaducts, water-powered devices, and decorative fountains.

When Roman skills were essentially lost in Western Europe during the Middle Ages, the Islamic world developed intricate gardens that made artistic use of water features.

After the Renaissance rediscovery of architectural hydraulics, water again became a favored element in European architectural design. Baroque architects in particular made use of elaborate fountains to accent the impressive gardens of the nobility.