What came before ardipithecus ramidus?

Question

I'm not looking for any relation to future or modern hominids. I'm just curious as to what the ardipithecus ramidus evolved from.

Answer 1

Look up sahelanthropus and orrorin.  The fossils are so incomplete it is difficult to tell the exact relationship.  The finders of the fossils invariably argue that their fossil is on the human line to make it more valuable.

Answer 2

Orrorin Tugenensis-6 million years ago, and before that, Sahelanthropus Tchadensis-6 to 7 million years ago.