Final answer:
The earliest hominids classified as Homo sapiens were the Neanderthals, which are considered 'cousins' to modern humans. They evolved from earlier hominids in the Homo genus, such as Homo erectus, following the path from the Australopithecus line.
Step-by-step explanation:
The earliest hominids to be classified as Homo sapiens were the Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis). Homo sapiens, our own species, evolved from earlier hominids, with evidence suggesting that the direct ancestors of Homo sapiens were part of the Homo genus, which also included Homo habilis and Homo ergaster, among others. These hominids developed from the Australopithecus line, which was one of the early members of the hominid family and walked upright. The Homo genus eventually led to Homo erectus, which had a larger brain and upright posture. Neanderthals are often considered more of a 'cousin' to modern humans, as they lived alongside Homo sapiens before going extinct.