Ancient History

The history of humanity is a tumultuous tale filled with conflicts both internal and external, shaping their journey throughout the ages. More than 100,000 years ago, the human race blossomed into a space-faring civilization, spanning countless solar systems and an abundance of diverse worlds. With each passing millennium, their power grew, propelling them to the very limits of the galaxy and into contact with the formidable Forerunners, the most dominant civilization in existence.

However, this encounter would prove to be a turning point for humanity. As the ominous threat of the Flood loomed over them, the humans were compelled to evacuate their systems under Forerunner control, igniting a fateful conflict known as the Human-Forerunner Wars. Side by side with their steadfast allies, the San’Shyuum, humanity waged a valiant struggle against the mighty Forerunners for over a millennium. Yet, despite their resilience, the humans and their allies ultimately succumbed to the overwhelming might of their adversaries, facing defeat and retreat.

Fearing the potential resurgence of humanity and the threat they posed, the Forerunners chose a different path. Instead of eradicating them entirely, they opted to devolve the humans, reverting them to their more primitive ancestors. For countless millennia, humanity endured in a reduced state of existence, dwelling upon the sacred grounds of Erde-Tyrene (Earth) and the enigmatic Lesser Ark and Greater Ark, as well as the awe-inspiring Halo rings.

Following the culmination of the devastating Forerunner-Flood War and the subsequent Great Purification, human civilization, alongside all other sentient life in the galaxy, was swept away, their existence wiped from the cosmos. However, in a remarkable turn of events, the seeds of humanity were sown once again, their species reemerging on the planet Earth, resurrected through the enigmatic Conservation Measure.

Modern History

Over the course of the next 100,000 years, humanity experienced a remarkable resurgence, once again venturing into the vastness of space. They achieved extraordinary milestones such as the invention of the groundbreaking faster-than-light travel and embarking on a grand journey of stellar colonization. However, this era of progress was marred by escalating tensions between the outer colonies and the central Unified Earth Government. The outer colonies yearned for greater independence, fueling the flames of dissent and setting the stage for a tumultuous period known as the insurrection - a harrowing civil war that raged on with unyielding ferocity for nearly half a century.

Humanity's path was forever altered when they made their fateful encounter with the formidable Covenant, marking the onset of the cataclysmic Human-Covenant War in the pivotal year of 2525.

For the subsequent twenty-seven years, humanity found itself relentlessly pushed back by the overwhelming might of the Covenant, witnessing the loss of countless outer and inner colonies. Yet, in the face of adversity, a glimmer of hope emerged with the arrival of the Great Schism and the subsequent dissolution of the Covenant. Through sheer determination and perseverance, humanity managed to secure victory in the grueling war.

Though severely battered, the indomitable spirit of humanity prevailed, as they embarked on an arduous process of recovery and reconstruction over the next six years, gradually reclaiming their position of strength within the galactic community. They rose to fill the void left by the fractured Covenant, assuming a significant role in the reshaping of the Milky Way's power dynamics.

However, this newfound equilibrium was swiftly shattered by the ascent of Cortana and the enigmatic faction known as the Created in the climactic year of 2558. Their rise to power not only posed a grave threat to humanity but also endangered the cherished freedom of all species traversing the vast expanse of the Milky Way.

Worlds

The vast expanse of the Orion Arm within the Milky Way galaxy is adorned with a multitude of worlds that have become home to humanity. These worlds, though diverse in their individual characteristics, share crucial attributes that render them hospitable for human habitation. Such qualities encompass gravity levels akin to Earth's, atmospheres capable of sustaining breathable air, and ecosystems that support life.

However, it is worth noting that not all human colonies naturally possessed these desirable attributes. Many planets underwent a process of terraforming to enhance their surface conditions, making them more conducive to human life. Terraforming technology, although impressive, is limited to planets that already exhibit a degree of compatibility with sustaining life.

Notable Humans

Despite being generally smaller in stature compared to nearly every member of the Covenant, humans possess a myriad of qualities that enabled them to stand defiantly against Covenant armies. These qualities encompass superior strategizing, unmatched bravery, and an innate ability to swiftly adapt to and triumph over any challenging situation they encountered.