During the Renaissance, architects used the plumb line to ensure that vertical columns and walls were perfectly straight, and that arches and domes had the correct dimensions and proportions. This essential tool was used to measure vertical alignment and ensure that structures were constructed with precision and accuracy. Architects and builders would hang a plumb line (made up of a heavy weight on a string) from a fixed point, such as a beam or ceiling, to mark the vertical centerline of a structure. This would enable builders to ensure that all parts of the structure were perfectly aligned and that everything was in the correct position. The plumb line was an essential tool in constructing grand cathedrals, palaces, and Renaissance buildings that were known for their grandeur, symmetry, and elegance.
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