History of the Cro-Magnoids is based on the remnants of archaeological findings in CM cave complexes, and their general beliefs based on oral history. Consider this all speculation.
N.B.: Here, CM stands for Cro-Magnoid and HS for Homo-Sapiens.
TODO: Consider a different Hominid for this. I am not sure Cro-Magnons are the right one. Mainly considering Australopithecus Africanus. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australopithecus_africanus
Pre-Historical Symbiosis with Homo Sapiens
CMs were a boreally-based hominid species that often lived alongside HS populations. Archaeological evidence suggests that during this period, HS & CM members felt greater affinity along tribal lines than species lines. But these tribes were together but separate, and as with many sister-tribe situations, the relationship was characterized by symbiosis punctuated with genocidal conflict.
HSs' and CMs' physiological variations allowed them access to different forms of technology. The HSs have greater manual dexterity, leading to more specialized toolmaking and articulated woodworking. The CMs had an advantage in size and musculature, allowing them dominance in combat until the difference in technology was stark. They had less need for tools, being more able to simply manipulate their physical environment with brute force. Manual dexterity (fine motor skill) in CMs is still at present day lower.
Among pre-architectural CM and HS tribes, caves were the most highly-desired dwellings. Primitive constructed dwellings were often a response by HSs who were tribemates of CMs but were not strong enough to compete for cave dwellings.
Eventually, HS technology bypassed the physical superiority of CMs, and many conflicts resulted in extinction of the local communities. The only surviving populations of CMs retreated entirely underground. It became the SOP of humans to push CMs into their cave dwellings but no further, as their physical superiority in the caves made it too dangerous to proceed.
The CMs expanded the only place they could, further underground. Their stoneworking technology improved, and in their deepest complexes they developed sprawling megalithic civilizations.
Eventually, most CM civilizations were self-sufficient enough that there was little reason to venture aboveground. Their isolation lasted long enough that they had adjusted to it, and no longer desired to live aboveground. The uppermost levels were left in a natural state, so as to conceal the extent of their development.
The Pleistocene Glaciation led to many of these cave complexes being completely sealed off with ice or stone collapses until very recently.
Populations isolated into cave complexes diversified into several Cro-Magnoid races:
TODO: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Hominid_cryptids
Modern History
At all times, at least some sector of humanity has been aware of the CMs. Their technology has generally kept close enough pace with HSs
Responses by these states were any of the following:
- Trade, study, cultural interchange
- Genocide
- Sealing off connections
- Assistance, development, and technological mentorship
Second Contact / Revelation
Public becomes aware of their existence.
Their most advanced society (I'm thinking the Antarctic) has been completely isolated, but happened to have excellent resources leading to technological advancement on par with humans'. The recession of glaciers opened up previously sealed entrances, allowing them to freely access previously uninhabited areas without the interference of human state actors.
When they reveal themselves, they do so as peers to other states, demanding recognition of their own state and the release of other CM cave complexes from isolation and secrecy.
TODO: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/all-3313-sasquatch-sightings-mapped
Revealed: