Human (Earth-2130)

"Now, after seven human years, I have finally come to understand your role, your place in the universe and how you came to be here. The eons of human evolution, invention, aspiration...and war. Always war. The oldest, most enduring of human practices."

- - Cortana

Humans (Homo sapiens sapiens, Latin for "man who knows of his knowledge"), also known as Hamanune (plural Hamanush) in the Forerunner era, are a sapient race of mammals native to Earth. They are some of the newest species to join the larger galactic community.

History
Humanity can trace its origin back to the ancient sapient race known as the xel'naga. These beings were responsible for traveling through the galaxy and not only seeding it with life, but also advancing its civilizations. Alongside their rival race, the orokin, humans were genetically engineered to attain the Mantle. However, while humanity was chosen to receive it, the orokin did not, causing them to rebel against the xel'naga, leading to the War Within, driving the xel'naga to near extinction. Afterwards, the orokin claimed the Mantle for themselves, using it as the base for their empire, the Ecumene, and as a means to justify their racism towards other races, as well as their subjulgation and orokin dominance.