There are a lot of things worth seeing in Bodrum. Many of these goes unnoticed.Your holiday in Bodrum is your chance to see many interesting fragments of the fascinating history of mankind.
Take the 'oldest book' for example: it was found among the ruins of the Uluburun shipwreck and is the first and only example of an early book - a forefather of books as we know them today. There is even a mention of such books in Homer's Illiad: '... he sent him to Lycia and gave him baneful signs in a folding wooden tablet.' Illiad, book VI, line 169. And until the discovery of the 'oldest book' those lines were believed to be only a myth.

The oldest book: On display in the Museum of Underwater Archeology.

The oldest known shipwreck:

The Uluburun wreck was discovered in 1986, and it is the oldest shipwreck ever found, dating back to 14th century B.C. (late bronze age). It took 11 summer camps and 22.400 dives to bring its' unique cargo into the daylight. The findings are on display in different rooms of the Museum of Underwater Archeology (in the castle). Cover of National Geographic Magazine, December 1987 (top right) announcing this extraordinary discovery.

The first ship built with modern techniques:

The Serçe Limanı (Sparrow Port) wreck, dating back to 11th century A.D., shows us that shipbuilding with modern techniques began in the Mediterranean some 900 years ago. The completely reconstructed hull of the ship is on display in the Museum of Underwater Archeology.

A Roman burial chamber in a 'supermarket':

The modern settlement in Bodrum sits on the ancient one. Therefore it is impossible to excavate the ancient town completely. But occasional discoveries happen. Just recently during the excavations for construction of a supermarket a Roman burial chamber was uncovered (right). It can be visited 'in' the supermarket today (Gima supermarket on Kibris Sehitleri Boulevard - main road) - possibly the only one you can visit in a supermarket!

Ancient column-heads as table supports:

Here we have a typical Turkish phenomena: Many visitors miss seeing these ancient column-heads used as table supports in the cafe at the Castle entrance.

Walking to an island?

Yes, walking. In Gümüşlük -a small cute village about 20 minutes by local transport- there is an island separated from the land by the shallow sea; the deepest point is less than waist-high when the tide is in. On the island there are some unimportant ruins and many beautiful spots where you can swim, and in the village many cozy village-style fish restaurants (better prices than the ones in Bodrum too). You will not be sorry by visiting this wonderful village.
And here are the things that are impossible to miss:

Mausoleum:

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Mausoleum was built between 353 and 355 B.C. A burial chamber was discovered in 1977 during a Danish excavation.

The castle:

The castle of the Knights of St. John is considered to be a perfect example of a middle-age chateaux. Must see if you are interested in architecture.

Museum of Underwater Archeology:

Located in the castle, the museum is the first and largest of its' kind. The castle was used as a depot for ancient relics found underwater until 1965 when it was reconstructed and opened as a museum. Mostly accidental discoveries of different shipwrecks in the Aegean lead to the establishment of the museum and Bodrum became the Mecca of underwater archeology. Don't miss it!