The Bursen, or Forerunner B, were an ancient spacefaring civilization native to somewhere in the Alpha or Beta Quadrants of the galaxy, who reached their peak around 198,000 BCE (reference stardate −2,000/00), during the period of history known to historians as the Forerunner Era. The species was so named for the scientist, Bursen, who discovered their spacefaring nature. The Bursen were known largely from fossil evidence, and imprints of their skin suggested a reptilian appearance. They were named after Bursen, who determined that they were capable of space travel.