Final answer:
Petrarch was drawn to the writings of Augustine of Hippo because of Augustine's philosophical and theological influence, particularly in his work The City of God, which aligned with Petrarch's interest in studying human beings and human achievements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Petrarch was drawn to the writings of Augustine of Hippo because Augustine was one of the most influential philosophers and theologians of late antiquity. Augustine's writings and ideas, particularly in his work The City of God, addressed the intersection of Christian and classical learning. Petrarch, who is considered the father of humanism, was interested in studying human beings, human nature, and human achievements, which aligned with Augustine's exploration of these topics.