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The word fountain is derived from the Latin term fons or fontis which means a source or a spring. Water fountains have a rich history, dating back from thousands of years ago. Orginally, these water features were used to supply drinking and bathing water for citizens, and from there they evolved into ornamental pieces used to beautify different indoor and outdoor spaces. Even if the designs and functions of fountains have profoundly changed, their appeal continue to fascinate us, and due to this they are contemplated as one of history's most important legacies.

From as far back as third millennium B.C., the Mesopotamians used water fountains as parts of their daily living. Most of the fountain ruins found in this area have shown that such water features of that time were made out of solid rocks and were mostly situated near streams. In ancient times, the need for fountains were highly dependent on the location of a civilization's water supply. For instance, ancient Egyptians had innovative systems for hoisting water from Nile River, so they don't necessarily need fountains, although records have shown that they also used these water features as decorative pieces.

The ancient Romans and Greeks on the other hand, brought water down from the mountains with the aid of aqueducts. However, as their water sources were way above their cities' locations, they needed fountains to properly supply the drinking and bathe water needs of their citizens. As Romans are known for their sophisticated water systems, they are the ones who first revolutionized 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 were transformed into expressive art forms as seen from the allegorical figures they exemplify. As a matter of fact, sculptures became the primary inspirations of Renaissance and Baroque fountain designers.

By the 20th century, fountains were freed from their drinking and bathing supply responsibilities. The 20th century also saw the rise of new fountain materials and technologies. From dull looking fountain designs of ancient civilizations, it is now possible to create copper fountain designs with amplified music and jets of water manipulated by computer programs. Fundamentally, modern fountain designs and finishes have become infinite.

Water fountains are vital water features that endowed humans with endless benefits. In this respect, it cannot be denied that they are one of history's most important legacies. More than their decorative prowess however, fountains nowadays are more appreciated for their stress-relieving capabilities. With this ability, it is no wonder that many home and establishment owners utilize such water features inside their spaces.