Final answer:
Augustine of Hippo identifies the sin of lust in Dido's behavior and sees it as an example of how unchecked immorality can lead to widescale societal decay.
Step-by-step explanation:
Augustine of Hippo, in contemplating the actions and subsequent legacy of Queen Dido from the Aeneid, finds the sin of lust most prominent in her story. Drawing from various ancient texts that reflect the morals of those times, Augustine sees such behavior, particularly in the cases of individuals of good standing who succumb to base desires, as a cautionary example of moral degradation. Augustine's perspective on Dido, which is formed much later than the actual story and influenced by Christian ethics, suggests that the downfall associated with such actions is not just an individual failing but a societal one, where unchecked immorality can lead to widescale moral decay.
He indicates that actions driven by lust unsettle society and pave the way for further transgressions. Augustine argues that it requires divine grace to overcome the human propensity to sin, emphasizing the importance of individual choice within the precepts of free will, indicating that despite the inevitability of being drawn to sin, individuals have the power to seek the good instead.