Genetic memory

Genetic memory is the controversial theory that the memories of one's ancestors are genetically passed on to subsequent generations.

The Theory
The theory is controversial. Proponents claim that birds' knowing where to migrate in the winter and other forms of instinct are evidence for genetic memory. However, a mechanism for the preservation of memories in DNA has never been found.

The Animus
In the world of Assassin's Creed, genetic memory exists. The Animus is a machine developed to read a subject's genetic memory, and, from it, create a simulation of the ancestor's life that the subject can interact with, "playing" as the ancestor.

In Assassin's Creed, the Animus is used by Abstergo Industries on Desmond Miles to decode the memories of his ancestor, Altaïr, who lived during the Third Crusade. In Assassin's Creed 2, it is again used upon Desmond, this time to learn about his later ancestor Ezio Auditore de Firenze, who lived during the Renaissance. Before Desmond Miles, Abstergo had already used the Animus on a number of different subjects.