What element did Renaissance architecture revive?

Renaissance architecture notably revived the elements of ancient Greek and Roman design, also known as classical architecture. This revival came as a response to the Gothic style that dominated the Middle Ages and emphasized reaching towards the heavens. Instead, the Renaissance sought harmony, proportion, and symmetry, drawing inspiration from the ideals of ancient antiquity.

Architects like Filippo Brunelleschi and Leon Battista Alberti applied the principles of classicism, which included the use of columns, arches, domes, and the emphasis on geometric forms. The rediscovery of texts from ancient Roman architects, such as Vitruvius, further guided Renaissance architects in their quest to merge beauty with functionality, thus laying the groundwork for styles that would influence Western architecture for centuries. This focus on Greek and Roman aesthetics set the Renaissance apart from previous architectural movements, marking a significant shift in the visual and cultural landscape of the time.