Fountains and Water Culture in Byzantium

This book explores the water cultures of Roman Byzantium, Byzantine Constantinople, and Ottoman Istanbul, restoring the sounds, shapes, smells, and sights of past water cultures. It discusses the delivery system that conveyed and stored water, and the fountains, large and small, from which it gushed. Experts in art, culture, archaeology, theology, and poetry and prose offer reflections on water and fountains across two millennia in one location.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 415 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This captivating book takes readers on a journey back in time to the magnificent fountains of Roman Byzantium, Byzantine Constantinople, and Ottoman Istanbul, reigniting the vibrant sounds, captivating shapes, evocative scents, and awe-inspiring sights of ancient water cultures. Nestled on the shores of the sea, Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, faced a unique challenge in providing clean and potable water to its inhabitants. Despite lacking a major river, the cultures that thrived in this remarkable waterscape over millennia have developed and sustained diverse water cultures and an intricate water delivery system that has supported an abundance of fountains, many of which stand tall today. Scholars delve into the intricate details of the delivery system that transported and stored water, as well as the magnificent fountains, both large and small, that gushed forth with refreshing vitality. The papers explore a wide range of water sources, including spring water, rainwater, and seawater, considering their suitability for drinking, bathing, and baptismal purposes. They also examine the multifaceted nature of fountains, encompassing real, imagined, and symbolic representations, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultural and artistic expressions across two millennia in one remarkable location. Drawing upon the expertise of experts in the fields of art and culture, archaeology, theology, poetry, and prose, this book offers insightful reflections on water and fountains, spanning the span of two millennia in a single captivating setting.

Weight: 704g
Dimension: 169 x 244 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107513884