Named after the Greek word for "sea", the museum was created to promote awareness of Cyprus' maritime heritage from prehistoric times to the present, and is a modern and interactive museum. The fourth, Kyrenia 2, which sank off the coast in 300 BC. Also in the basement is the marine life section that contains various exhibits from fish and marine mammals to crustaceans, corals, snails and fossils - some dating back 130 million years. The museum also serves as an art exhibition center and provides a multi-purpose hall for a variety of events and conferences.