In the Middle Ages, as in other historical past periods, there was a double perception of the value of water. On the one hand, water was considered as an indispensable necessity for human life and, on the other, it ac...In the Middle Ages, as in other historical past periods, there was a double perception of the value of water. On the one hand, water was considered as an indispensable necessity for human life and, on the other, it acquired a symbolic value, whose manifestations are equally palpable. As an example, there can be brought up the setting up of public fountains in the towns of late Middle Ages. They were essential not only for the daily water provision for the citizens but also meant to honor and pomp the city. Similar double meaning can be also found in the functioning of the medieval fisheries as their economic activity guaranteed food supply and even managed to acquire religious and symbolic implications in the Christian society.展开更多
文摘In the Middle Ages, as in other historical past periods, there was a double perception of the value of water. On the one hand, water was considered as an indispensable necessity for human life and, on the other, it acquired a symbolic value, whose manifestations are equally palpable. As an example, there can be brought up the setting up of public fountains in the towns of late Middle Ages. They were essential not only for the daily water provision for the citizens but also meant to honor and pomp the city. Similar double meaning can be also found in the functioning of the medieval fisheries as their economic activity guaranteed food supply and even managed to acquire religious and symbolic implications in the Christian society.