The wreck of a Byzantine ship that sank in a natural bay in Serçe Harbour, Marmaris, was excavated between 1977 and 1979 by a team of Turkish and American archaeologists led by Prof. Dr. George F. Bass after it was shown to them by Bodrum sponge diver Mehmet Aşkın. Near the shore, on a sandy bottom at a depth of 32 metres, 25% of the sunken ship, which was lying on the pier, was completely excavated. The ship, the starboard part of which was destroyed, is about 16 metres long, 5 metres wide and can carry a load of 35 tonnes. The ship has exceptional archaeological and historical features. In ancient times, ships were built by first nailing together veneer planks. This ship is one of the oldest examples of the transition period between ancient shipbuilding and modern shipbuilding (rib system). The Serçe Limanı shipwreck was built using a technique similar to that used in Bodrum shipyards today. In this system, the skeleton of the boat is first formed by placing curves on the main keel and then covered with veneer boards. The keel of the ship is made of elm, while the ribs and veneer boards are made of pine. Wood and copper nails were used in the construction of the ship. It is believed that the ship had two masts and that triangular Latin sails were used. The ship's main cargo of glassware, dated to the first half of the XI century, consists of at least 200 different shapes. In addition to intact glass vessels, almost two tonnes of broken glass ingots were found. The amphorae recovered from the ship are engraved with Greek names and letters. Lentils and grape seeds were found inside the amphoras. The Serçe Harbour shipwreck and its cargo are exhibited in a hall specially built by the Turkish Ministry of Culture. In the first part of the hall, there are photographs, paintings and panels related to the underwater excavation. A video is also available to view, which provides an insight into the excavation process. The ship is exhibited in a large hall, which is kept at a constant humidity of 50% and a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius.